Sixteen years ago, Amaglug-glug beat Brazil at the Sydney Games, however, last night they held the much more fancied Samba Boys to a goalless stalemate with just ten players on the park.

The visitors were dealt a heavy blow as they had to play with 10 men from the 58th minute after midfielder Mothobi Mvala got his marching orders – this was after he received his second yellow card in a space of a few minutes.

Despite playing a man short, the South Africans stuck to their task, putting their bodies on the line as the hosts sensed blood.

Brazil threw everything at the Men’s Olympic Team but to no avail, as Erick Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Abbubaker Mobara and Deolin Mekoa stood firm at the back – when they were bridged, Khune always came to the rescue.

Brazil even fielded the Barcelona star, Neymar, but for South Africa the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain, Itumeleng Khune, was the standout player.

South Africa next face Denmark when they lock horns on Sunday.

Denmark in their turn also played to a goalless draw after failing to find the back of the net against Iraq.

In last night’s other results – Mexico and Germany played to a 2-2 draw, Portugal beat Argentina 2-0 and Honduras edged Algeria 3-2.

Morgan Piek/OFM News