South Africa qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics on Saturday after a 3-1 penalties win over hosts Senegal in the Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off match in Dakar.
Goalkeeper Jody February proved to be South Africa’s hero with a string of fine saves during the shootout, and a penalty save in the regulation 90 minutes, which ended 0-0.
Phakamani Mahlambi hit the winning spot-kick to send South Africa’s men to the Rio Games.
It is the first time that both the South Africa men’s and women’s football teams have qualified for an Olympics.
In a rare instance of a third-place play-off match carrying more importance than the final itself, it was the hosts Senegal who had the best chance in the game to seal victory.
Senegal were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute.
Mousa Keita’s effort was saved by the outstanding February who also played a starring role in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.
South Africa’s men join the Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations finalists, Nigeria and Algeria, at Rio 2016.
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