South Africa’s U20 side, Amajita, has reached the FIFA World Cup Last 16 for only the second time in history.

The team has progressed to the knockout phase in the ongoing tournament in Chile, under the tutelage of Raymond Mdaka, emulating the team of 2009 that reached the same stage in Egypt.

The African champions will face Colombia on Friday evening in Talca, for a place in the Quarterfinals, where they would meet Ukraine or Spain.

“I think, honestly, the boys did a very good job. They showed character. They showed that they are the African champions,” reflected Mdaka after they beat the USA 2-1 on Sunday to end the group stage as runners-up, ensuring the progression to the Last 16.

“It was not an easy game. Playing the USA, who have already won two games with a number of goals, so it looked like it was a mountain to climb. But then we agreed as a team to show what we can do as a team. And I’m happy because we showed [our] character.

“Something that I like is the support that we are getting from home. You know, it shows as much as we are here that we are together as a country. We promised the country just to do what we can,” he continued.

“COSAFA, we were brilliant. AFCON, it was brilliant. Again here, we are showing the character that a team should be or a national team is supposed to be, and I think the team is blessed.”

The kick-off time against Colombia will be at 21H30.