Amajita, South Africa's Under-20 Men’s National Team, are determined to make a strong comeback in the 2025 FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup after a narrow 2-1 defeat to France in their opening match. The team is currently in Chile, competing in Group E alongside France, the United States, and New Caledonia.
Coach Raymond Mdaka's squad is focused on securing maximum points in their upcoming clash against New Caledonia. Despite New Caledonia's heavy 9-1 loss to the United States, Amajita are approaching the match with respect and caution. Midfielder Lazola Maku emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents, stating, "We respect all teams even though they (New Caledonia) lost 9-1. We should not go there with that mentality of saying we can also beat them with the same scoreline... we respect them and what they are capable of."
The team acknowledges that nerves played a role in their initial loss to France. However, they are determined to learn from the experience and fight for victory in their remaining matches. Goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe highlights the team's unity and cohesion as key strengths. "We are a cohesive unit, we are close together and that’s going to be a good thing going abroad and performing at the highest level," he said.
Amajita's journey to the World Cup has been marked by success, including winning the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. They aim to carry this confidence and momentum into the tournament, making South Africa proud. The match against New Caledonia is crucial for their chances of advancing from the group stage.
Key Players to Watch
- Lazola Maku: Midfielder, providing crucial link between defence and attack.
- Fletcher Smythe-Lowe: Goalkeeper, instrumental in the Afcon victory.
- Jody Ahshene: Scored a penalty against France, demonstrating composure under pressure.
What's Next for Amajita?
Amajita will face New Caledonia on Friday morning (1am SA Time) at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. A victory is essential to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The team then faces a tough challenge against the United States. The team's performance in these matches will determine whether they can progress to the knockout stages.