The South African u23 Men’s National Team head coach Owen da Gama has made two changes to the squad that lost 2-0 to Tunisia in the semi-final of the CAF u23 Africa Cup of National Tournament.

The South African u23 Men’s National Team head coach Owen da Gama has made two changes to the squad that lost 2-0 to Tunisia in the semi-final of the CAF u23 Africa Cup of National Tournament.

South Africa takes on Senegal in the third/fourth place play off this afternoon (Saturday, 12 December) at Stade Leopold Senghor in Dakar, Senegal.

Tshepo Rikhotso and Phakamani Mahlambi return to the starting lineup – both players take the places of Menzi Masuku and Ryaad Norodien.

Jody February remains in goals and the defence is also the same with Tebogo Moerane, Abbubaker Mobara, Rivaldo Coetzee and Kwanda Mngonyama while there is also an addition of Rikhotso.

The midfield has been slightly altered with Gift Motupa, Deolin Mekoa, Phumlani Ntshangase operating from there, while Keagan Dolly and Mahlambi will be looking for goals.

Dolly will again captain the side.

Kickoff is at 18H00 South African time (16h00 local time).

According to the competition rules, if there is no winner after regulation time, then a penalty shootout will ensue to determine the winner of the match.

“We want players who want to take to the field and die for the cause. This is about the team not about individuals. Let us get the win and give the country a fantastic festive holiday. From the first whistle Senegal must know it’s game on. If you give 200 percent on the field then no one can touch us. We haven’t lost our objective, which is to qualify for Rio and this is the last chance we have, let us not waste it. Good luck boys,” said Da Gama.

The winner between South Africa and Senegal will join Algeria and Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

SA u23 11 vs Senegal:
Jody February (GK), Kwanda Mngonyama, Rivaldo Coetzee, Tebogo Moerane, Abbubaker Mobara, Keagan Dolly (c), Phumlani Ntshangase, TSHEPO RIKHOTSO, Deolin Mekoa, PHAKAMANI MAHLAMBI, Gift Motupa

Subs:

Ricardo Goss (GK), Kyle Peters (GK), Zitha Macheke, Denwin Farmer, Siphelele Ntshangase, Sibusiso Sibeko, Paseka Mako, Dumisani Zuma, Ryaad Norodien, Menzi Masuku

Coach: Owen da Gama