South African under-20 men national team started their FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Argentina in Poland on Saturday.
Argentina goals were scored by Fausto Vera, brace from Esequiel Barco and another brace from Adolf Gaich.
Amajita’s goals were converted by Keenan Phillips and Lyle Foster. Amajita coach Thabo Senong gave credit to Argentina.
SA finished the match with ten men after the goal scorer Phillips was sent off in the second half for allegedly hacking Facundo Medina. Senong did not want to comment on the controversial incident.
Amajita started the match nervously but grew in confidence as the match progressed. Senong believes that his team held their own despite losing one player.
The penalty and red card incidents were both called by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The referee initially ignored both incidents until he changed his decisions moments later.
Senong says both incidents really destabilized his team. – Report by Vincent Sitsula
