David Notoane

David Notoane, the head coach of South Africa’s men’s Under-23 football team, has resigned from his position. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

SA U23 lose to hosts Japan in Tokyo Olympics opener

The South Africa under-23 football team kick off their Tokyo Olympics campaign with a match against hosts Japan on Thursday, 22 July.

David Notoane

David Notoane, the head coach of South Africa’s men’s Under-23 football team, has resigned from his position. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

The South Africa under-23 football team kicked off their Tokyo Olympics campaign with a match against hosts Japan on Thursday, 22 July.

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Despite a brave performance, SA lost 1-0.

The only goal of the match came in the 71st minute courtesy of Takefusa Kubo.

The SA under-23 team will next be in action against France on Sunday, 25 July at 10:00 SA time.

France were thumped 4-1 earlier on Thursday by Mexico who SA will play in their final group match next Wednesday, 28 July at 13:30 SA time.

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TEAMS

South Africa

Williams, Frosler, Mabiliso, Cele, Fleurs, Malepe, Mukumela, Mosele, Mokoena, Singh, Makgopa

Substitutes: Mpoto, Mlungwana, Kodisang, Mohamme, Mahlangu, Ngcobo

Japan

Tani; Sakai, Nakayama, Itakura, Yoshida, Endo, Tanaka, Miyoshi, Hayashi, Kubo, Doan