SA under 23 earn a point against Brazil

Brazilian Superstar, Neymar Jnr

South African U/23 team began their Olympics campaign with an impressive 0-0 draw against hosts Brazil in Brasilia yesterday.

Participating on their second Olympics games, the under 23 team came to the game hoping to repeat the tale of Sydney Olympics in 2000 where they defeated a Brazilian team which had Ronaldinho.

Despite having an attack led by Barcelona forward, Neymar and Manchester City new signing, Gabriel Jesus. The Samba boys failed to break a strong SA under 23 defence which was led by Mulomowandau Mathoho and Goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune.

The SA U/23 squad finished the match with 10-men on the field after Mothobi Mvala was given the marching orders for a foul on Brazilian right-back, Zeca. This was Mvala’s second yellow card in the game.

The team’s performance has received praises from former Bafana Bafana defender, Matthew Booth and current Bafana Bafana coach, Shakes Mashaba.

Speaking on Capital Talk later today, Booth said: “this was the best defensive display I have ever seen”.

He suggested that current Absa Premiership Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns might find it difficult to retain the services of Keegan Dolly after the Olympics.

The team’s next game would be against Denmark and the last fixture in the group would be against Iraq.

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