Sport
Familiar failing haunts South Africa in Rio 2016 group qualifier
Squandered chances saw AmaGlug Glug suffer a 1-0 defeat against Denmark in their Rio 2016 group match against Denmark. BY MO ALLIE
A familiar failing of South African football came back to haunt the Olympic team as their inability to convert their chances saw them slump to a 1-0 defeat against Denmark at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
The result leaves South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals by a thread as they now face a must-win last group game against Iraq in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night while also hoping for a favourable result in the Brazil-Denmark clash.
After surviving early scares when first Emil
Gift
Both
The introduction of Menzi Masuku for defender Tebogo Moerane at the start of the second half gave South Africa a greater attacking thrust but it was substitute Robert Skov who got the all-important goal in the 69th minute.
Capitalising on hesitant defending by Erick Mathoho and Rivaldo Coetzee in the heart of the defence, Skov found space to fire a powerful, low shot from close range that beat Itumeleng Khune at the near post to give the Danes a precious 1-0 advantage.
That score energized the Scandinavians who nearly doubled their lead a minute later when captain Lasse Vibe dragged his shot wide.
Owen da Gama’s side’s domination of territory and possession in the final quarter of the game proved fruitless as they either failed to hit the target or simply couldn’t beat the irrepressible Hojberg who denied
After the joy of their goalless draw against Brazil in their opening game, South Africa now have to regroup quickly if they are to progress to the
Photo: Gift
This article first appeared on sascoc.co.za.