20 March 2024 – South Africa missed a semi-final spot after losing 3-1 to guest team, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
With all teams having three teams in the Group having 3 points each, it was a straightforward issue that the hosts had to win to qualify for the last four in this COSAFA Beach Soccer tournament.
In another match of the day, Malawi thumped Seychelles 7-2 to also advance to the semis.
The South Beach Arena, was filled to the rafters as the crowd roared the hosts on.
But it was the visitors who opened the scoring through Eslam Saraj. Saudi Arabia extended their lead through Ramzi Dakman.
Sphephelo Cele reduced the deficit for the home side at the beginning of the second period, giving hopes for the home supporters.
However, Ramzi silenced the vociferous home supporters with the third goal for Saudi Arabia to end SA’s fading hopes.
In group B matches, Mozambique beat Angola 8-4 and Morrocco beat Tanzania 2-1. Morrocco will face Malawi while Saudi Arabia play Mozambique in the semi-finals set for Friday. 22 March at the South Beach Arena, Durban.