South Africa U23 coach David Notoane is confident of "finishing the job" against Togo at home after picking up two crucial away goals in the first leg of their 2023 U23 Afcon qualifier.
South Africa took their first towards qualifying for the 2023 U23 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a 2-2 draw away from home against Togo in the first leg of their Second Round qualifier.
The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute through Kevin Laba before Stellenbosch FC starlet Antonio van Wyk levelled matters for David Notoane's following a goal mouth scramble side just minutes later.
Cape Town Spurs' Ashley Cupido then put South Africa ahead from the penalty spot with just over half an hour played and his goal appeared to have secured victory, only for Abouro Wetchire to grab his side a share of the points late on with a spot-kick of his own.
Despite the disappointment of the result, Notoane insisted that he was pleased to have scored two away goals and was confident of progressing to the next round of qualifiers.
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"Overall, based on our journey coming here, the challenges we faced, one is very pleased with the result," Notoane told SAFA's media team after the match.
"We scored two away goals against a team I believe we are capable of beating in South Africa. We are looking forward to finishing the job back home in Johannesburg.
"West Africa is different and we had a difficult time in the second period, coming out of our own half. They put a lot of pressure on us, with some dubious decisions from the referee.
"This helped them gain territorial ground against us, but I think the boys did very well under the circumstances. This gave us a very good idea on one or two things we need to change.
"I think we are good to go to the return match and turn the tie around. The match worked out the way we expected in terms of our planning."
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