Olympic Games

Result: Brazil U23 0-0 South Africa U23

Date: 04 August 2016

Venue:  Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha

The South African U23 side began their Olympic campaign with a 0-0 draw against Brazil on Thursday evening.

South Africa were presented with a chance after just three minutes, when Keagan Dolly played Lebo Mothiba through on goal, however Weverton rushed off his line to thwart the striker.

After an impressive opening spell by Owen Da Gama’s side, Brazil started to enjoy most of the possession after the 10-minute mark but struggled to carve out chances.

Itumeleng Khune was called into action after 28 minutes, as the South African shot-stopper produced a fine save to keep out Neymar’s strike from 20-yards out.

South Africa should have taken the lead in the 31 minute when Mothiba met Dolly’s in-swinging corner but failed to hit the target from six-yards out.

Khune was called upon in the 40th minute, as he produced another fine save to keep out Neymar’s volley from the edge of the area, as the sides entered the break with the score locked at 0-0.

South Africa created their first opening in the 54th minute when Dolly’s floated cross found Mothiba, who could only direct his header straight at Weverton.

Owen Da Gama made his first change in the 58th minute, as he introduced Tashreeq Morris for Menzi Masuki.

However, the South Africans were then reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute when Mothobi Mvala given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Brazil squandered a glorious chance to take the lead in the 68th minute when Gabriel Jesus strick

Khune came to Bafana’s rescue again in the 74th minute, as he rushed off his line to deny Felipe Anderson from close range, before Neymar headed over with the rebound.

The Brazilians pushed for a winner in the closing stages of the game, but the South African defence put in a superb shift to deny the hosts and claim a point in their opening game.

Here’s how they will lined up:

Brazil: Weverton, Zeca, Ciao, Santos, Marquinhos, Maia, Augusto, Anderson, Neymar, Gabigol, Gabriel Jesus

South Africa: Khune, Mekoa, Mobara, Coetzee, Mathoho, Mvala, Motupa, Dolly, Modiba, Masuku, Mothiba

Source: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za