Amajita forward Thabang Mahlangu believes that South Africa’s 2-1 win over the USA in their final group match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile has provided the side with a boost heading into the knockout stage.
South Africa secured second place in group E, ending their group matches with 6 points and two wins from their three games.
The U-20 national side overcame the USA 2-1 at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua on Sunday to go through to the knockout stage of the U-20 World Cup for the second time in history.
Now, Amajita will look to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time as they face Colombia on Wednesday in their round of 16 matchup.
Speaking after the match, Mahlangu believes Amajita’s preparation played a huge role in their victory.
“Overall the game was difficult, to be honest, because of the qualities of the USA. They have good qualities and we managed to close them down because we studied very, very well. I think we deserve the win,” said Mahlangu.
The 20-year-old reflected on the victory as a confidence booster going into the round of 16.
“It was very important because the first game we lost and our heads were a bit down, but we kept on believing because the same thing happened at AFCON. The same thing happened at AFCON, we lost the first game and then after, the rest was history. So the win today was very important to lift up our spirits and believe that we are the champions of Africa and then we have to show [that] on the world stage,” he said.
The Siwelele starlet came off the bench in all three of Amajita’s group games and is yet to score at the tournament. Despite this disappointment, Mahlangu said that his teammates have been a source of support and encouragement and the experience at such a high level has left him emotional.
“The guys keep on reminding me that, ‘Hey bro, you scored the goal to take us here to the World Cup’. Now it’s starting to be very emotional. It’s been amazing, seeing such lights, such fans, such stadiums, quality pitches. It’s been amazing and now I reflect from where I come from, the dusty grounds of Evaton North and all that. So this has been very important and a very special and beautiful journey and I think we’re going to go further in the tournament. We’re really happy,” he said.
Mahlangu believes that South Africa must keep to their strengths in order to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in tournament history.
“I think we have to stick to our principles, still listen to the coaches, still do what we do best. In the tournament, it’s important to score goals. So I think we’re going to work on that, score goals and defend well.”
