Age cheating claims as South Africa romp to victory

Mqondisi Dube | Monday December 16, 2013 15:14

 

Amajita were dominant from the onset and grabbed the title through goals from man-of the-match, Siyanda Ngubo and defender, Ayabulela Maqgwaka.

The South Africans scored either side of the half to condemn Kenya to defeat. The build-up to the match was marred by reports that the guests had fielded an over age player, an issue which was resolved before the final.

The organising committee ruled that Angola, who had raised the query had no case, although the issue might be further investigated.

Angola had sought clarity on the age of one Kenyan player who reportedly was Under-20 two years ago and it was unclear if he was still eligible for the Lesotho tournament.

The match itself was one sided as Magqwaka set South Africa on their way with a 33rd minute headed goal. The imposing Kenyans were never in the match as they huffed and puffed against a slick passing South Africa.

Ngubo then compounded Kenya's woes in the 69th minute with a delightful chip over Peter Odhiambo to seal victory.

While Kenya will pleased to finish runners-up on debut, the age cheating allegations will forever dominate talk long after the tournament is gone. Angola, finished third after beating Zimbabwe 2-0 in the third place play-off.

Meanwhile, the COSAFA annual general meeting held in Maseru on Friday left it open for the next hosts of the regional junior tournament. The competition, which up to 2011 was sponsored by Metropolitan, has struggled to attract sponsors and it remains to be seen which country would raise its hand to host the tournament.

The COSAFA Senior Challenge, meanwhile returns to Zimbabwe after it was hosted there in 2009. The announcement was made at the AGM on Friday.