U20 World Cup - Group D
Result: South Africa 1-2 Japan
Date: 21 May 2017
Venue: Suwon World Cup Stadium
Amajita wasted a host of chances, as they began their U20 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 loss to Japan at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.
The South Africans threatened early on and took the lead after seven minutes when Grant Margeman sprung the offside trap and fired home a deflected effort from close range.
Amajita continued to threaten and should've doubled their lead in the 18th minute but Keletso Makgalwa headed wide of the upright from six-yards out.
A minute later, Japan nearly leveled matters but Koki Ogawa rattled the upright from close range with Mondli Mpoto well beaten.
Japan started seeing more of the ball as the half went on but they were once again let down by Ogawa in the 30th minute, after he headed wide with only Mpoto to beat.
Both sides were proving to be wasteful in the first half, and Amajita squandered another chance after 33 minutes when Luther Singh skipped past his marker before blazing over from six-yards out.
The Japanese pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages of the first half, but the Amajita defence managed to hold out till the halftime break.
Japan wasted no time in the second half, as Ogawa slotted home from close range, after Tercious Malepe was caught ball-watching.
The Japanese introduced 15-year-old Takefusa Kubo after 56 minutes and he wasted little time in showcasing his talent by playing in Ogawa with a fine pass but Mpoto was on hand to make the save.
Japan eventually took the lead after 71 minutes as Doan exchanged passes with Kubo, before firing into the bottom corner from 12-yards out.
Thabo Senong responded by introducing Liam Jordan for Wiseman Meyiwa four minutes later, as they pushed for an equaliser.
The South Africans pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but they were unable to threaten Kijoma's goal as Japan held on for the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Starting XI: Mpoto; Mukumela; Modise; Malepe (C); Mthethwa; Meyiwa (Jordan 75'); Cele; Mbatha; Singh; Margeman; Makgalwa (Kodisang 64')
