Johannesburg – The South African Under-23 football team finished bottom of Group A after three losses and in the last match the team lost 3-0 to Mexico at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday.
The Under-23s lost 1-0 to hosts Japan in the opening match, 4-3 against France before losing 3-0 to on fire Mexico.
Goals from Alexis Vega and Luis Romo in the 18th and 43rd minute respectively and a third by Henry Martin on the 60th minute, saw Mexico qualify for the knockout stages as second place finishers in the group.
Hosts Japan who beat France 4-0 qualified as group winners after winning all three matches.
The second half of the match offered South Africa no room to return as captain Tercious Malepe was handed a red card in the 55th minute for a very dangerous foul, just before Mexico got their third goal from Martin.
Mexico were also reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Rodriguez fouled Singh who was in a goal scoring position.
South Africa starting XI: Ronwen Williams (GK); Tercious Malepe (c); Luke Fleurs; Katlego Mohamme; Teboho Mokoena; Thabo Cele; Thendo Mukumela; Luther Singh; Kamohelo Mahlatsi; Kobamelo Kodisang; Evidence Makgapo
South Africa substitutes: Mondli Mpoto (GK); Sifiso Mlungwana (GK); Reeve Frosler; Thabiso Monyane; Sibusiso Mabiliso; Macbeth Mahlangu; Goodman Mosele; Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
Mexico starting XI: Guillemo Ochoa (GK)( C); Jorge Sanchez; Cesar Montes; Jesus Angulo; Vladimir Lorona; Luis Romo; Carlos Rodriguez; Henry Martin; Alexis Vega; Uriel Anuna; Sebastian Cordova
Mexican substitutes: Sebastian Jurado (GK); Diego Lainez; Adrian Mora; Joaquin Esquivel; Eduardo Aguirre; Ricardo Angulo; Roberto Alvarado.
– safa.net
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