International Friendly
Result: Brazil U23 3-1 South Africa U23
Date: 28 March 2016
Venue: Rei Pele Stadium
The South African U23 side suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brazil in an international friendly at the Rei Pele Stadium.
The home side took the lead after 15 minutes, courtesy of a fine header from Rodrigo Ciao.
Brazil continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage five minutes later, as Felipe Anderson managed to head home from close range.
South Africa coach, Owen da Gama was not happy with the start and opted to re-shuffle his pack by withdrawing Lorenzo Gordinho for Tshepo Rikhotso in the 25th minute.
The visitors struggled to create openings in the final third and were only restricted to efforts from distance, as they trailed Brazil at the halftime break.
Da Gama made a number of changes at the break, introducing Kyle Peters for Jody February, Deolin Mekoa for Lebogang Phiri and Tebogo Moerane for Kgosi Nthle.
Peters was nearly embarrassed after 50 minutes when he spotted off his line, however Kwanda Mngonyama was on hand save the goalkeeper's blushes.
South Africa eventually reduced the deficit in the in the 66th minute, as Lebogang Mothiba showed great composure to slot home with a first-time finish from close range.
However, the Brazilians restored their lead in the 75th minute, as Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira beat Peters with a fine effort, 3-1.
The clash also ended on a sour note for the South Africans, as Witbank Spurs' Thabo Makhele picked up a serious injury in stoppage time.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: February; Macheke; Gordihno; Mngonyama; Nthle; P. Ntshangase; Motupa; Dolly (c); Phiri; Morena; Mothiba
Brazil: Ederson; Wallace; Fabinho; Doria; Rodrigo Caio; Douglas Santos; Gabriel Jesus; Sales; Luciano; Anderson; Malcom
