Olympic dream not yet buried for Amaglug-glug

01 December 2015 - 02:06 By Nick Said

South Africa will face a more familiar foe when they tussle with Zambia at the Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations on Tuesday as they seek to get their bid for a place at the Olympic Games back on track. Owen da Gama's side battled with the pace and power of Senegal in their Group A opener on Saturday as they lost 3-1 and now meet a Zambia side that is undoubtedly talented, but who play a style similar to South Africa that "Amaglug-glug" should find easier to play against.It is a must-win game for both teams as Zambia lost their first match 2-1 to Tunisia, meaning the loser will almost certainly give up their dreams of playing in Rio de Janeiro.South Africa playmaker Keagan Dolly is well aware of the gifts his side's defensive lapses handed to Senegal in their first game and knows, too, that a repeat will be fatal against a Zambian side that showed plenty of quality against the Tunisians."If you look at our opening match we were in control in the first few minutes, but did not take our chances," Dolly said. "Senegal used the two opportunities they got and it was a setback for us to let them score two early goals - it became difficult to get back into the game."But I have belief in this team. Half of the players in our squad play week in week out for their teams, so I still think we can go far."Zambia coach Fighton Simukonda says his side will go "all out" to inflict a second defeat on South Africa...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.