South Africa put up a great fight in their first match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games against Brazil as they held the hosts to a famous goalless draw and in the process earn themselves a precious point.
Brazil………..0
South Africa…..0
South Africa put up a great fight in their first match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games against Brazil as they held the hosts to a famous goalless draw and in the process earn themselves a precious point.
In a match played at Mane Garrincha Stadium in the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia, the visitors showed determination and despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half, didn’t give anything away to settle for a share of the spoils.
Itumeleng Khune was the star of the show as he made countless saves in the match to maintain a personal clean sheet.
South Africa were confident from the first whistle of the match as they managed to settle early in the match and almost took the lead in the 5th minute.
Neymar and Jesus combined very well throughout the match however neither of their efforts could get past a very determined South African back four, well marshalled by goalkeeper Khune.
Mothobi Mvala got his marching orders 58th minute after receiving his second bookable offense from a clumsy challenge.
Captain Keagan Dolly played his heart out as he tried to create chances for himself and Lebo Mothiba upfront.
South Africa will play their second Group A match against Denmark on 7 August 2016 at the same venue in Brasilia. That match is scheduled for 19h00 local time (SA 00:00).
South African starting XI:
Itumeleng Khune; Deolin Mekoa; Abbubaker Mobara; Eric Mathoho; Rivaldo Coetzee; Mothobi Mvala; Gift Motupa; Keagan Dolly (c); Aubrey Modiba; Menzi Masuku; Lebo Mothiba
Subs:
Jody February; Tebogo Moerane; Kwanda Mngonyama; Tercious Malepe; Phumlani Ntshangase; Tyroane Sandows; Tashreeq Morris
Brazilian starting XI:
Weverton; Zeca; Rodrigo Caio; Marquinhos; Renato Augusto; Douglas Santos; Gabriel Barbosa; Neymar (c); Gabriel Jesus; Thiago Maia; Felipe Anderson
Subs: Luan; Rafael Alcantara; Walace; William Luan Garcia; Rodrigo Dourado; Uilson (GK)