On Sunday, February 4, 2024, the South African U17 Women's National Team lost to Ethiopia 0-3 in the first leg of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Addis Ababa.
The home team dominated the match from the start, increasing the pressure to score by taking the lead in the 10th minute. Mara Mitic took the lead past goalkeeper Casey Kim Gordan.
Ethiopia looked settled on the pitch, but that was not the case for the away team, who were struggling with their rhythm.
It was the home side who doubled their lead just eight minutes later, continuing to press and forgiving South Africa's defensive mistakes, allowing Hidat Kass to slot into the back of the net in the 18th minute to make the score 2-0.
They then had a chance to make it a three-goal lead, but keeper Gordhan saved the shot to keep South Africa in the game. A free kick was awarded following a foul on Novale Mderwa, but the result was ineffective.
South Africa also had chances to score, but Bonolo Mokoma's long-range shot went over the crossbar. South Africa applied more sustained pressure but were unable to break through the Ethiopian defence, and the first half ended in Rauda Ali's side's favor.
The second period started much better for South Africa. Skipper Adler Mibe grabbed a good opportunity for the South African team at the end of the goal, but his shot was caught in the hands of keeper Abebayehi Tasewu.
Everything coach Ntabeleng Modiko said to his team during the break certainly paid off, as South Africa were applying pressure but it was difficult to find weaknesses in Ethiopia's defense.
Katlejo Malebana had a chance, but the goal didn't materialize. However, as the clock ticked down, South Africa found themselves in a tight spot in the 71st minute when Kassu exploited a defensive error to put Ethiopia up 3-0.
It could have been the last goal for the visitors, who were awarded a free kick, but Mibe's shot found Tashu's glove. Things were much the same in the remaining minutes of the game, with South Africa heading home with a mountain to climb ahead of Saturday's second leg.
2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup First Leg Qualifying Teams
Ethiopia U17 Women
1. Abebayev Taseu
6. Asore Heiso
5. Helen Mengistu
21. Hidat Kas
20. Hirut Tesfaye (C)
3. Lemlem Astatake
7. Marlet Mitic
2. Manaish Tesfaye
16. Merat Getashu
13. Saba Hailemikael
8. Cehainesh Jura
head coach: Rhoda Ali
South Africa U17 Girls
1. Casey Gordan (Gk)
2. Ruthando Radebe
3. Bonolo Mokoma
4. Setabile Kamwanda
5. Aphelele Mhlongo
7. Adriel Mibe (C)
8. Gugu Mabisela
10. Katleho Malembana (Midfielder) Mamelodi Sundowns Academy (Gauteng)
14. Novale Muderwa (Midfielder) La Liga Academy (Spain)
18. Linelwa Mabuza (Midfielder) Mamelodi Sundowns Academy (Gauteng)
23. Masabata Motapo (DF) Ixias FC (Free State)
head coach: Ntabelen Modico
substitute
Tshepi Makore (Forward) Copperbelt Ladies (Limpopo)
Katleho Mohale (DF) JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Nomaswaj Vilakazi (midfielder) University of Pretoria (Gauteng)
Mpho Nkadimhen (midfielder) SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Nomhund Motaung (Defender) Springs Home Sweepers (Gauteng)
Julia Gombalves (Midfielder) JVW Academy (Gauteng)
Zoe October (midfielder) Cape Town Spurs (Western Cape)
Bonolo Foscoko (DF) SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Kutso Mogano (FW) SAFA Academy (Gauteng)
Kwezi Khoza (FW) Sunflower WFC (KZN)
Sankelo Gwamanda (defender) Dlala Ntombazane (KZN)
main photo caption: Ethiopian captain Hirut Tesfaye (left) and South Africa U17s pictured alongside match officials during the first match of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers in Addis Ababa on Sunday, February 3, 2024. Adriele Mibe, captain of the women's national team. photograph: SAFA's Facebook
Photo 2 Caption: Mamelodi Sundowns Academy striker Gugu Mabisela's first-half shot went wide. photograph: SAFA's Facebook
Photo 3 Caption: Defender Setabile Kamwanda plays the ball away from Ethiopia's Mahret Mitiku. photograph: SAFA's Facebook