Johannesburg - Liam Jordan scored a break-away goal as the South African Under-17s (Amajimbos) played to a 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic in a friendly match at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Amajimbos impressed in the first half, creating a host of opportunities in front of goal but failed to put the ball behind the net, until Jordan stepped up and took advantage of a floating ball in the Celtic box, opening the scoring for Amajimbos minutes before half-time.
Notha Ngcobo missed a golden opportunity early in the second half when Celtic's goalkeeper was caught off his line, but his rising shot went over the cross bar.
Amajimbos almost found themselves in trouble when goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto completely missed the ball after rushing off this goal-line, but was saved by his defence, clearing the danger.
Celtic came back strongly in the second half, looking for the equaliser, but Amajimbos' defence stood firm, thwarting Celtic at regular intervals.
Coach Molefi Ntseki made a double substitution in the 66th minute, bringing in Reeve Frosler and Luvuyo Mkhatshana for Sibongakonke Mbatha and Edwin Sekhwama, to add some punch to his tiring strike force.
However, it was Celtic that took the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, after Cupido handled the ball inside the box.
Itumeleng Letebele smacked the ball into the back of the net from the spot to make it 1-1.
The Under-17s will remain in camp and are preparing for the African Youth Championships in Niger next month.