Rio Olympics: South Africa U-23 vs Iraq U-23

Posted: 11 August 2016 Time: 03:46

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The South Africa U-23 team crashed out of the Rio Olympics following a 1-1 draw with Iraq in their final group game.

Gift Motupa gave Owen da Gama's side the lead six minutes in as he fired home from close range against the run of play at the Corinthians Arena.
However, Iraq captain Saad Luaibi responded in the 14th minute when he rose unmarked to nod in a corner from Mohanad Abdulraheem.
A victory would have seen South Africa advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, but they were lucky to escape defeat in a one-sided contest in Sao Paulo.
Iraq hit the woodwork three times, while Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune pulled off numerous saves after being continually exposed by his defence.
Brazil, who thumped Denmark 4-0 in a simultaneous game, progressed to the quarter-finals as Group A victors along with the Scandinavians. South Africa finished bottom of the pool with two points from three matches.
The national women's team also exited the competition at the first hurdle, collecting a point from their three outings at the sporting showpiece.

South Africa: Khune, Mekoa, Mobara, Malepe, Coetzee, Mvala, Ntshangase, Dolly (Morris 83'), Fikizolo (Modiba 61'), Masuku (Kutumela 59'), Motupa.
Iraq: Hameed, Ibrahim, Adnan, Abdulraheem, Kamil, Hisny, Natiq, Ismael, Luaibi, Ali, Attwan.

Article by: Staff Reporter