Algerian Test for Baby Bafana

Phakamani Mahlambi of SA is challenged by Boyd Mkandawire of Zambia during their U-23 clash. The teenager proved to be one of the stars against Tunisia on Friday night. Picture: BackpagePix

Phakamani Mahlambi of SA is challenged by Boyd Mkandawire of Zambia during their U-23 clash. The teenager proved to be one of the stars against Tunisia on Friday night. Picture: BackpagePix

Published Dec 6, 2015

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The SA Under-23 team will take on Algeria in the Olympic qualifier semi-final in Dakar on Wednesday (8.30pm SA time).

Coach Owen da Gama’s side made it through to the last-four at the Eight Nations tournament in Senegal with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia on Friday, and are now just one victory away from qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Nigeria and Algeria played to a goalless draw on Saturday to secure their places in the semi-finals. The more physically robust Nigeria and Senegal will square off in the other semi-final, also in Dakar on Wednesday (5pm SA time).

The fact that SA U-23 are facing another North African team in Algeria may count in their favour, as they would be familiar with their style after getting the better of another North African side in Tunisia.

The evening kick-off time at Dakar’s Stade Leopold Senghor will also assist the South Africans in playing their natural quick, short-passing game against Algeria.

SA captain Keagan Dolly said after the victory over Tunisia that his team are “ready to face any team”, and Da Gama will have to think long and hard about his attacking line-up.

The coach left out teenage star Phakamani Mahlambi against Tunisia, but brought him on with about half-an-hour to go, with the Wits midfielder having an immediate impact with his speed and skill.

The 18-year-old then created the goal for Menzi Masuku with five minutes to go, beating three defenders on his way to squaring the ball for Masuku to side-foot the ball into the back of the net.

One would think that Mahlambi must start against Algeria, as the South Africans would want to secure their Olympic qualification by advancing to the final.

The top three teams will go to Brazil, so the semi-final losers will have another chance in the third-place play-off.

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