March 28, (THEWILL) – South Africa’s Under-23 national soccer team has failed to secure a spot at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw against Congo-Brazzaville, in an away second-leg qualifier on Monday.
The result meant that the dream of playing at the tournament, set to be held in Morocco later this year, has been extinguished for the South African team. Despite four changes to the starting line-up made by Coach, David Notoane, the determined home side proved too strong to overcome.
Both teams failed to score in the first half despite a few missed opportunities from both sides. The South Africans put up a much-improved performance in the second half, but Congo was able to hold and secure their spot in the tournament. It also means that South Africa’s hopes of playing at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, have been dashed with this loss.
Although the South African team can take pride in their efforts, ultimately, they could not find the crucial goal they desperately needed to secure their place in the tournament. This defeat is a disappointing end to their journey and a reminder that they will have to regroup and come back stronger in the future.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
