South Africa were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in the home leg of their 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations final qualifying round tie against Republic of Congo at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. SuperSport United’s Thapelo Maseko leveled for the hosts after Love Bissila Mabiala headed the Diables Rouges into the lead close to halftime, giving the Congolese an important away goal. South Africa will need a victory in Brazzaville next week or a draw of 2-2 or greater to advance to the AFCON U-23 finals.
The first half was a tactical affair and the hosts did little to challenge the Congolese defense. As the first half wore on the visitors gained more confidence and took more risks with the South African attack posing little threat for long periods of time, a move that rewarded the Congolese soon before halftime. Poor marking on an early cross from the right wing allowed Mabiala to connect firmly for a header that left South Africa goalkeeper Lincoln Vyver with little chance as it went into the goal.
South Africa showed more initiative in the second half and the substitution of rising Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala helped their cause. The Amakhosi creative attacker created the equalizer for the hosts in the 69th minute when his brilliant driven cross picked out Maseko at the far post, who had time to take the ball down before finishing in off the post. South Africa failed to use their momentum to find another goal, however, leaving them with an uphill task if they wish to represent Africa in the men’s football competition at a second consecutive Olympic Games.
Highlights from the match are below.
