South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening U-17 Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Sunday evening.
Coach Duncan Crowie named four debutants in the line-up, including goalkeeper Kyle Jansen, Gomolemo Kekana, Michael Dokunmu and Waylon Renecke, while Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Siyabonga Mabena was in the mix too.
It was a pretty even start whereby Crowie's charges managed to orchestrate a couple of half-chances in the hope of an early footing, but didn't get the desired outcome.
Although, with the half nearing to an end the opportunities for a breakthrough continued to come the way of the South Africans though again were undone by the final third deliveries.
Crowie decided to bring on a change after the conclusion of the halftime period as Gabriel Amato slotted in and Xolani Tshaka made way for his compatriot.
The two teams continued to have a go at each other following the resumption, but lacked the necessary cutting edge in and around the six-yard area as the match remained in the balance.
Morocco were more adventurous though and took the lead midway in the second half when Benjamin Wallis committed a hand-ball in the area and gave away a penalty, which Abdelhamid Boudlal converted.
The Atlas Lions doubled their lead in the last six minutes as mis-communication at the back allowed substitute Adam Hanin to collect the loose ball and slot home.
Amajimbos went out searching for a response, but were unable to find a breakthrough and unfortunately suffered defeat in their tournament opener.
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