South Africa got off to a great start in the Cosafa Under 17 tournament on Saturday, beating Lesotho 5-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Lesothoâ??s defence managed to hold out until halftime, but the floodgates opened in the second half as South Africa scored five goals without reply.
South Africa played an expansive game from the onset, and regularly attacked through their wingers, Lebogang Moloto and Mzuvele Skhosana.
Moloto was particularly effective and had the Lesotho defence stretched to the limit, while Cyril Mashego and Kamogelo Mokotjo controlled the middle of the park.
Lesotho striker Thabiso Mohapi nearly scored a goal out of the blue from a rare counterattack, but that was about it for Lesotho as Soth Africa dominated possession.
Mzuvele Skhosana opened South Africaâ??s account shortly after the restart and from there on it was one-way traffic.
Sheldon Stevens scored the second, Speedy Mabaso added a brace and Lebogang Moloto scored the final goal as South Africa got their campaign off to a great start.
Zimbabwe, Namibia draw
In the next match at the same venue, Namibia made a fine recovery to hold Zimbabwe to a 1-all draw.
Zimbabwe took an early lead in the 6th minute, through a cracking shot by Ashley Mukwenya that hit the roof of the net. Zimbabwe dominated possession and looked certain to increase their lead, but Namibiaâ??s defence managed to hold out.
Namibian defender Osvaldo Xamseb cleared a shot by Lawrence Mapuya off the line, while Namibian goalie Collin Ndjai twice pulled off great saves at the feet of Zimbabwean striker Patrick Kaunda.
Ortmann makes a change
Namibia were however a different team after the break, especially after the introduction of midfielder Sylvester Ortmann in the 50th minute.
He took control of the midfield and created numerous chances for his strikers, which were wasted.
Namibia finally equalised in the 66th minute when a cracking shot by Dene Swartz was tipped for a corner, and Sam Kavezembi headed in from the resulting corner.
Zimbabwe also had several chances, with Ashley Mukwena having a great game and both sides kept the 3 000-strong crowd on the edge of their seats with some entertaining soccer.
Zambia 1 Malawi 1
At the Khomasdal field Zambia and Malawi played to a 1-all draw.
Malawi opened the scoring through Kelvin Mkandawire in the32nd minute, but Zambia equalised through Raymond Simakoloui in the 60th minute.
Malawi captain Elton Mangwele had a fine game in midfield, while Zambian striker Rabby Lwambala was a constant threat.
Angola 3 Swaziland 1
In the late game at the Khomasdal field, Angola beat Swaziland 3-1.