Limpopo-born star Vicky Mkhawana scored a brace to help the South Africa U/17 side to a 3-2 win over Zambia at the CAF U/17 Afcon on Wednesday.

The tournament is currently taking place in Algeria. Mkhawana, who plays for Kaizer Chiefs netted a first-half brace to inspire the Duncan Crowie-coached side to victory.

DAN VILLAGE-BORN STAR VICKY MKHAWANA SHINES FOR SOUTH AFRICA

The Dan Village-born [Outside Tzaneen] player was also voted Man of the Match for his efforts. South Africa are currently third in Group B. They will play the final group game against Nigeria on Saturday, 6 May, which will determine who joins Morocco in the quarterfinals of the competition.

“It wasn’t an easy match,” said the 17-year-old after the match.

We fought blood and sweat and I want to thank the coaches and players for the push to ensure we won the game,” said the forward.
“I dedicate these to everyone in the team for this gallant fight. We will continue working and fighting to get a chance to go to the World Cup,” added Mkhawana.

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Meanwhile, his coach Crowie said it was important for his team to show that they can play.

“It was more than a fight,” the coach told the SAFA website.

“We were 2-0 up and they came back and made it very difficult for us. Putting us under pressure with the deep and long balls that put our defence under pressure,” he said.

“But as I mentioned to the guys, it was important for us to show that we can play. If they did not allow us to play, then at least we show we can fight, and I say fight in a very nice way so that we ensure they [Zambia] don’t create opportunities.

“With all the pressure that they put us under, I don’t think they really created clear-goal-cut goal-scoring opportunities, which is very good.”

TOUGH TASK AHEAD AT CAF U/17 AFCON

“Like I did the other night [after the defeat to Morocco in the opening match of the tournament], I will sit up again and cut clips to make it clear to the players what they did right and what they can still improve on in preparation for our next game against Nigeria.”