U20 World Cup: Amajita Coach Raymond Mdaka Targets Positive Result Against USA
- Raymond Mdaka has shared his thoughts ahead of South Africa's Under-20 clash with the United States of America at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile
- The South African tactician shared some honest opinions about the Americans as Amajita aim to secure a place in the knockout stages
- Mdaka explained what his team need to do to get the required result against the high-flying US side
Amajita's head coach, Raymond Mdaka, has made some positive demands ahead of South Africa's must-win last group game against the United States of America at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
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The South Africa U-20 national team and African champions will be hoping to build on their emphatic 5-0 victory over New Caledonia when they face the Group E leaders, USA, at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile, on Sunday, October 5, 2026.
After a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in their opening match, Mdaka's side bounced back impressively, keeping their qualification hopes alive by beating New Caledonia in their second group game.
However, they now face their biggest challenge yet: a high-flying USA side that has already secured a place in the knockout stages after thrashing New Caledonia 9-1 and beating France 3-0.
South Africa are third in Group E with three points, while the Americans top the group with six points and are considered one of the competition's favourites due to their performance in their first two games.
Mdaka speaks on Amajita's clash against USA
Despite the dominant win in their last group game against New Caledonia, Mdaka admitted that his team could have done even better in front of goal.
He acknowledged that goal difference and goals scored might play a key role in determining which nations advance to the Round of 16.
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"We’ve got three points now, and it’s time to move on from New Caledonia," Mdaka said.
"We still have a shot at advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. The USA is a strong side, so we’ll need to be disciplined and well-organised in our approach to get a positive result. It’s going to be a challenging match, but we’ll work closely with the technical team to devise a well-thought-out strategy."
Amajita currently have an edge over Egypt, who finished their group campaign with three points and a -2 goal difference, placing third behind hosts Chile, who advanced based on their superior fair play (conduct) score.
A draw or a win against the USA could be enough to see South Africa progress to the Round of 16, depending on results from other group games.
FIFA's rule that indicts Bafana Bafana
Briefly News also reported on the FIFA rule, which indicted South Africa over the ongoing issue of fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in one of the World Cup qualifiers.
The football governing body was silent about the whole issue before opening proceedings against Hugo Broos' side.
Source: Briefly News
