U23?s too classy for Libya

The South African Under-23 soccer team dominated their Libyan counterparts in the first leg of their 2012 Olympics qualifier.

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The South African Under-23 soccer team dominated their Libyan counterparts in the first leg of their 2012 London Olympics qualifier, beating them 4-2 at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton on Sunday.

The hosts were robust and 4-0 up with 20 minutes left to play before complacency set in and they conceded two late soft goals.

Libya arrived only the day before the match and signs that they had been inactive because of the political unrest in their country were evident when they were nowhere to be found on a chilly afternoon.

South Africa, who have played three friendly fixtures in the last two weeks in preparation for the game, looked crisp, well-oiled and entertaining as they attacked their opponents at pace while stringing together enterprising passes.

Were it not for some crucial stops from Libyan goalkeeper Mohamed Abukhres, the scores might have been worse off for the visitors, especially in the opening half.

Striker Bongani Ndulula opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he followed up a shot from Themba Zwane that was spilled by Abukhres, with none of his defenders tracking back to help him clear the danger.

Ndulula, who turns out for Orlando Pirates in the Absa Premiership, should have netted a hat-trick on the day, and nearly found a brace a few moments later, only to see his shot flying narrowly over the bar.

Phumelele Bhengu could have doubled the margin, but his close range effort found Abukhres's fortunate foot, and the Libyan keeper was again at hand when he held on to a stinging shot from Sibusiso Mxoyana.

Abukhres, however, could do nothing to stop a well crafted second goal by Zwane in the 40th minute that was created by Thandani Ntshumayelo and a rampant Mandla Masango.

Central defender Eric Mathoho nearly fashioned a goal when he found himself unmarked in the penalty box, but his header from the corner kick went narrowly over the bar and South Africa took a 2-0

lead into half-time.

Ten minutes after the break Bhengu scored with a flamboyant header from the right flank, and Masango bagged the fourth after individually threading through the Libyan defence in the 69th minute.

The South Africans, holding a substantial 4-0 lead, took their feet of the pedal and two minutes later Ramahlwe Mphahlele scored an own goal.

Striker Sami Algulla found a second for Libya in the 90th minute. – Sapa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/u23-s-too-classy-for-libya-1.1047872

Publishing Stan Collymore Kazakhmys United States Short breaks Peter Atherton