South Africa through to Copa Coca-Cola quarters

South Africa became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the inaugural Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup of Nations under-16 football tournament at Nakuru High School sports ground on Tuesday.

South Africa who on the previous day thrashed neighbours Angola 10-0 in pool D, settled to a barren draw with Tanzania on Tuesday, in a match which they dominated, to sail into the quarters. The South Africans have unassailable four points, Tanzania have a point while Angola are rooted at the bottom of the pool with no points.

Tanzania must beat or draw with Angola to have any hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

South Africa had a chance to grab the lead in the 10th minute when Butulezi Thando floated cross caused panic in the Tanzanian box before keeper Abdul Bashiri cleared the danger. In the second half, substitute Olebogena Motlhoiwa sent in a delightful cross that Njabulo Holngwane failed to connect.

“Our next game against Angola tomorrow (Wednesday) is a must win assignment. We hope to up our game and reach the finals because that is our target,” said Tanzania head coach Abel Mtweve.

In the South African corner, coach Isaac Shai blamed the cold weather in Nakuru for his boys’ blunt performance. “The boys did not make their usual runs in the pitch and I believe this is as a result f the cold weather here in Nakuru,” he said.

In Pool C, Mozambique dispatched Malawi 2-0 and stay on course to reach the quarters. Malawi lost their first game 2-1 against Uganda and have now crashed out of the tournament.

Mozambique scored their first goal in the second half through substitute Luis Filipemonterio on the hour mark. Joao Mario added the second through a pot kick after Malawi’s Daniel Chiona handled in the box.

Results
Pool A: Kenya 11- Ethiopia 1;
Pool B: Nigeria 1 Zambia 2;
Pool C: Uganda 2Malawi 1; Malawi 0 Mozambique 2;
Pool D: Angola 0 South Africa 10; South Africa 0 Tanzania 0;

Girls: Kenya 2 Zimbabwe 0