South Africa have announced their starting XI for the must-win clash against Mexico at the Olympics.
David Notoane’s men have a slim chance of making it out of the group stages, but they will need to beat CONCACAF champions Mexico by two goals and hope that Japan will beat Mexico.
SA’s U23 side have shown mixed performances so far, collecting a 1-0 defeat against hosts Japan in the opening display, which was focused on defence with little attacking intent.
However, they showed the complete opposite against France, being the more attacking side of the two but ultimately lost 4-3 due to lapses in defense.
Mexico, meanwhile, beat France 4-1 in their Olympics opener before losing 2-1 to Japan in their second fixture.
So far, South Africa have only ever one game during their two Olympics participations, beating Brazil 3-1 in 2000.
Here is how they line up:
Bafana XI: Williams, Malepe, Fleurs, Mohamme, Mukumela, Mokoena, Cele, Kodisang, Mahlatsi, Singh, Makgopa
Mexico XI: Ochoa, Sanchez, Montes, Angulo, Lorona, Romo, Rodriguez, Martin, Vega, Antuna, Cordova
