The South Africa men’s football team will not be disqualified from the African Games after the Country presented U23 players rather than U20 players as the competition rules stipulated, brila.net has gathered.
South Africa’s U20, Amajita, are housed in Group A alongside host Morocco, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, but SAFA rather presented a different age grade and were walked over in their opening group A match against Morocco.
Per @MaghribFoot , Morocco beat South Africa 3-0 on walkover as Bafana Bafana had registered an U23 side instead of U20. Next match against Burkina Faso tomorrow.
African Games U20 Group A:
1. 🇲🇦 MAR – 3p
2. 🇧🇫 BFA – 1p
3. 🇳🇬 NGA – 1p
4. 🇿🇦 RSA – 0pMorocco beat South Africa 3-0 on walkover as Bafana Bafana had registered an U23 side instead of U20. Next match against Burkina Faso tomorrow. #JAR2019
— Maghrib Foot (@MaghribFoot) August 18, 2019
However, the South Africa Football Federation Head of Delegation Linda Zwane shared a different side to what transpired.
“Our boys were about to head out for their warm up session when CAF representatives came to me to tell us that our match has been called off until further notice,” Zwane said. “This could be because of the issue which existed between us (SAFA) and SASCOC.
“That matter, though, has since been resolved by the ministry of sports back in South Africa hence we are now here and we will hear when our match is rescheduled.”
Zwane said the postponement of the fixture will not have any effect on Amajita’s other two Group A fixtures.
South Africa will take on Nigeria at the Stade Moulay Hassan on 20 August, before they lock horns with Burkina Faso on 23 August in their final group fixture at the very same venue.
Nigeria’s opening game against Burkina Faso ended 1-1; the Flying Eagles failing to defend their lead after Ahmad Ghali (58′) put the Flying Eagles ahead.
The Burkinabe responded through Kalifa Nikiema, who scored fourteen minutes after his side went behind.
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