South Africa suffered a second straight loss at 2020 Olympic Games after falling to France in a seven-goal thriller.
Olympics Group A
Result: France 4-3 South Africa
Date: 25 July 2021
Venue: Saitama Stadium
Nkosingiphile Ngocbo and Kobamelo Kodisang were drafted into the line-up as Thendo Mukumela and Goodman Mosele dropped to the bench, while Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi are out of isolation and were named on the bench.
The South Africans carved out the game's first chance on 14 minutes from a dead-ball situation as Signh saw his powerful free-kick brilliantly tipped away by French goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni.
Evidence Makgopa went even closer in the 23rd minute after rattling the upright with a first-time strike after managing to get behind the French defence, before Kodisang was denied by Bernardoni in a one-on-one situation.
France had the ball in the back of the net minutes later Andre Gignac was allowed to slip in and slot past Ronwen Williams, but celebrations were cut short due to the offside flag.
However, South Africa had the perfect chance to open the scoring after being awarded a penalty just before the break after some good work by Kodisang but Singh was unable to take advantage after hitting the crossbar.
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Notoane's charges eventually got their reward eight minutes after the break as Kodisang robbed Clement Michelin of the ball before slotting into an empty net.
France weren't behind for too long as Gignac restored parity four minutes later with his second goal of the tournament.
South Africa managed to restore their lead in the 73rd minute with a Makgopa firing home at the near post from Kodisang's cross.
Five minutes after South Africa scored, the French were back on level terms once again as Gignac rose above his marker to head home from six-yards out.
The pendulum swung once again as South Africa got back in front thanks to a stunning strike from Teboho Mokoena, who took one touch before firing into the top corner.
However, France were awarded a penalty two minutes after South African netted their third goal. Gignac stepped and blasted home his spot-kick to complete his hat-trick.
The French had the final say as Teji Savanier popped up with a lovely strike from the edge of the box that left Williams with no chance to hand his side three points while South Africa remain winless.
Here's how they line up:
South Africa: Williams, Fleurs, Malepe, Mohamme, Mokoena, Frosler, Ngcobo, Cele, Kodisang, Makgopa, Singh
Subs: Mpoto, Mukumela, Mabiliso, Mahlangu, Mosele, Mahlatsi, Monyane.
