Teji Savanier scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time and Andre-Pierre Gignac added three more to give France a 4-3 victory over South Africa.
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Veteran striker Andre-Pierre Gignac made his presence felt with a hat-trick to help France record a 4-3 win over South Africa on Sunday in the group stage of the men’s Tokyo Olympics football tournament. Teji Savanier scored the winner in stoppage time, to help seal the triumph in an extremely exciting encounter that witnessed its fair share of comebacks. There was a lot of action in the second half, following a scoreless first half which witnessed limited intent.
Kobamelo Kodisang’s goal put South Africa in front in the 53rd minute, with Gignac scoring the equaliser nearly four minutes later. Evidence Makgopa helped the Proteas take the lead yet again, before the French veteran attacker levelled scores in the 78th minute. Teboho Mokoena scored a third goal for South Africa in the 81st minute, before Gignac converted from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to record his hat-trick. South Africa forward Luther Singh might well regret his poor penalty attempt in the 40th minute, where he hit the crossbar with the ball skirting over the goal.
South Africa recorded their second consecutive defeat, having suffered a loss in the Group A opener against Japan. France are back to winning ways, having been routed by Mexico 4-1 in the opener.
Germany barely managed to get a win against Saudi Arabia, having been twice pegged back after taking the lead. Amos Pieper was sent off midway through the second half, making a maiden win in the tournament even more tougher. However, Uduokhai rose highest to head home Kruse’s corner to gift a priceless lead with fifteen minutes left to play. Germany will next face off against Ivory Coast, after the 3-2 win. A triumph is capable of sending them through to the quarter-final. Saudi Arabia have been knocked out after back-to-back losses. However, they still have one game left to play as they take on Brazil on Wednesday.
Hosts Japan further pulled off a 2-1 win against Mexico, with the win of great significance considering the latter’s triumph against France in the previous encounter. Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan scored a goal apiece in the first 12 minutes to ensure a fine lead, which proved enough in the end. Japan are the only unbeaten team in the group currently with Mexico guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals with a victory over winless South Africa. Among the other matches of significance, Spain pulled off a 1-0 win against Australia, with South Korea recording a 4-0 triumph against Romania. Honduras defeated New Zealand by a 3-2 margin as Argentina defeated Egypt 1-0.
The final match of the day’s action saw Brazil being held to a 0-0 draw by Cote d’Ivoire. This draw will certainly be a source of concern for the fans, after the national team’s 4-2 win over Germany in the previous match. Richarlison scored a hat-trick in the first half, with the game a replay of the Rio 2016 final. However, they still stand a chance to make a soaring comeback.
