Despite celebrating a 3-1 triumph over Madagascar, South Africa U17 women's coach Simphiwe Dludlu insists they were not at their best against the Malagasy side on Wednesday.
Bantwana had sealed a semi-final spot after wins over Seychelles and Botswana and aimed to wrap up their group stage campaign in style but ended struggling to replicate the form in their final tie.
A first-half brace from Nelly Gamede and a second-half goal from Oyisa Marhazi helped the South Africans outscore their opponents in a four-goal thriller at Francios Xavier Stadium.
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However, the 32-year-old coach, who made five changes to her starting line-up, said they performed below par in a bid to offer other players in the squad a chance to feature in the competition.