14 November 2026 – The South African U23 Men’s National Team got off to a positive start as they defeated Madagascar 1-0 in an entertaining first leg 2028 Olympic Games qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Despite being played in Atteridgeville near Pretoria, this was an away match for Head Coach Raymond Mdaka’s charges. The match was attended by, among others, MEC for Sports in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA NEC members Jack Maluleke, Job Mchunu, Busi Stokwe and Katlego Lechoo, as well as SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, SAFA Technical Director Molefi Ntseki and the SAFA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya.
After a goalless opening stanza, second half substitute Quwan Plaatjies put a smile on the face of the South Africans with a well taken goal (73’) that ensured victory and put one foot into the third round of qualifying. South Africa could have wrapped up the match in the first half but did not take the opportunities that came their way.
“I would first like to congratulate the boys for a job well done by getting the desired three points. I must add, however, that we made it very difficult for ourselves as we had several scoring opportunities but the ball somehow managed to stay out of the net. This match has given us food for thought, and we will review and rectify where we feel we lacked and strengthen where we were good,” said Mdaka.
“But the first leg is gone, our focus now is on the challenge ahead of us with little turnaround time as we are playing again in a few days. We will treat the fixture as a new one so as to avoid complacency and just continue working our way towards the next round. Madagascar have shown they are a good side and could punish us if left unchecked,” concluded Mdaka.
Dr Jordaan was full of praise for the team.
“Congratulations on winning your first match of the qualifiers. It’s been a long time since we last qualified for the Olympic Games and despite it being a long journey to Los Angeles, today’s result was a very important one as it brings us ever so close to the next phase. The job is not done yet, but this win is a very good start,” said Dr Jordaan.
The two teams square up again on Tuesday night with a 20h00 kickoff at the same venue, but this time with South Africa as hosts.
Source: Original report at SAFA.
