South Africa bow out of COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship

By Ayanda Nyuswa

South Africa have bowed out of the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship after suffering their second defeat of the tournament at the hands of guest nation Saudi Arabia at the South Beach Arena in Durban on Wednesday. The Saudi’s recorded a fairly comfortable 3-1 win against the home side, with two goals coming in the first quarter which placed considerable pressure on Fani Shange’s side. Sphephelo Cele pulled one back for South Africa early in the second quarter, but the home team failed to capitalise on the momentum and energy from the home support to mount a come back.

The result means Saudi Arabia progress to the Semi finals of the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship at the first attempt, and finish second in Group A behind Malawi who thrashed Sychells 7-2 in their final group match. The host nation bow out of the tournament having picked up just one win, a 3-2 triumph over Sychells, and suffered two defeats.