Amajita’s FIFA World Cup U20 campaign came to an end as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia U20 at Estadio Fiscal on Wednesday evening.
The South African side had set its sights on making history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, but ultimately fell short.
The match got off to a rocky start for Amajita, with Colombia asserting its dominance in the opening 15 minutes.
Their hard work paid off in the seventh minute when Joel Morales capitalized on a hesitant Thato Sibiya to score the opening goal.
Colombia continued to press, but Amajita gradually gained momentum as the game approached the 20-minute mark.
Mfundo Vilakazi was the first to threaten the Colombian goal, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that was expertly saved by goalkeeper Jordan Garcia in the 27th minute.
Vilakazi came close again in the 35th minute with a similar effort, only to be denied by Garcia once more.
As halftime approached, Siviwe Magidigidi had a golden opportunity to level the score, but his header from a beautifully weighted free kick by Neo Rapoo sailed over the crossbar.
The second half saw Amajita come out strong, putting immense pressure on the Colombian defense.
Their persistence paid off in the 50th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Garcia fouled Magidigidi.
Although Vilakazi’s initial penalty was saved, the referee ordered a retake due to Garcia’s encroachment, and Vilakazi made no mistake on the second attempt.
However, Colombia restored its lead in the 63rd minute through Neiser Villarreal, who scored from inside the box after Amajita’s defenders were caught ball-watching.
Despite Shakeel April’s effort being denied by Garcia in the 77th minute, Amajita continued to push for an equalizer.
A late surge in the final minutes saw captain Asekho Tiwani’s long-range shot saved by Garcia, but it was too little, too late. Colombia also scored the last goal in the last minutes of the game through de Neiser Villarreal.
The defeat marks the end of Amajita’s campaign, joining Egypt, who were eliminated in the group stage, and Nigeria, who were crushed 4-0 by record winners Argentina.
Morocco remains the lone African representative in the tournament, set to face South Korea in the last 16 on Friday.
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