Amajimbos’ first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup started on a disappointing note last night as Ntseki’s side conceded as early as the seventh minute, putting them on the back foot.
They were then rather harshly dealt a penalty blow when Katlego Mohamme was adjudged to have handled in the box, although his hands were behind his back and the shot hit his shoulder.
Striker Khanyisa Mayo, who missed a few sitters throughout the match, eventually pulled one back in the last minute, but it was scant consolation.
“We expected a very hard game. We entered the pitch with our minds off, and we sadly conceded a very early goal,” Ntseki told FIFA.com.
“In the second half, we started with a better attitude. However, we wasted many chances, which we have to improve during our training sessions.
“There’s a long way to go, but we must do things right if we want to keep our chances of staying in the competition,” he added.
South Africa’s next Group E game is against Korea DPR on Thursday. Kick-off is at 22h00 South African time.