South Africa Under-20 coach Thabo Senong is thrilled his side have qualified for this year’s Under-20 World Cup, but know they still have business to finish in Zambia. Goals by Phakamani Mahlambi, Grant Margeman and Sibongakonke Mbatha gave Amajita a 3-1 win over Sudan in their final group stage match at the U-20 Afcon, sealing a spot at this year’s World Cup in South Korea. Senong feels qualification reveals a step forward in the development of football in the country, but wants his side to improve ahead of their semi-final showdown with hosts Zambia on Wednesday. “Well done to Sudan, but we had to win today,” he said. “This win, qualifying for the CAF U-20 Afcon semi-finals and the FIFA U-20 World Cup is an important part in the development of South African football.

“We are not happy that we have conceded five goals in the group stages and this is not normal for us. Once again we will go back to the drawing board to prepare and correct our errors for the semis.” SAFA president Danny Jordaan feels the progress made by the South African junior national teams is plain to see. “This was a major achievement and the boys have made the country proud,” he said. “After our U-17 side qualified for the World Cup last year, it is this type of progress that has seen our Vision 2022 take immediate shape. “The semis against Zambia will be a typical final before the final and the boys must look forward to this game,” Jordaan said of Wednesday’s semi-final, which will be played at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.