SA Under-23 still clinging to Olympic qualification dream

South Africa are optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, ahead of their third-place play-off in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations match against Ghana in Cairo on Friday.

Despite a 3-0 thrashing by hosts Egypt in their semifinal in Cairo on Tuesday, SA will have one more chance at booking their ticket to Tokyo if they can win their play-off clash. Both Egypt and Ivory Coast have qualified for the Olympics by virtue of making the final.

“I would like to congratulate Egypt on booking their place into next year’s Summer Olympic Games,” SA Under-23 coach Notoane said. “We hope to join them (in the top three) as we will now face Ghana for that final Olympic qualification spot.

“Coming into this match, we started off with Luther Singh playing as our striker because we wanted to break down their defence with penetrating speed up in the final third.

“My charges played really well, however, lacked a goal or two to complement their efforts in the first half. The penalty awarded in the 59th minute had an effect on my players from that point onwards. I have video footage of that incident and it is quite clear that it was not a penalty.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo