OWN CORRESPONDENT, Accra | Monday 9.00am.
AMAGLUG-GLUG, South Africa’s under-23 Olympic hopefuls, let a two goal lead slip away to draw 2-2 with favourites Ghana in the opening round of Olympic Games Group 2 qualifiers in Accra on Sunday.
Daniel Matsau struck after 17 and 35 minutes for the under strength South Africans before Peter Ofori-Quaye reduced arrears in first-half injury-time and Edmond Copson equalised soon after half-time.
It was an impressive debut by the visitors, who lacked European-based professionals Quinton Fortune, Bradley Carnell (injured), Delron Buckley (unavailable) and Benni McCarthy (retired).
Ghana, seeking a third consecutive appearance at the 16-nation finals, dominated early exchanges at Accra Sports Stadium only to fall behind when Siyabonga Nomvete set up unmarked Matsau.
A defensive blunder gifted the Bloemfontein Celtic striker a second goal before a wild lunge by South African defender Aaron Mokoena freed Baffour Gyan and when he struck the post, captain Ofori-Quaye tapped in the rebound.
Copson levelled after 47 minutes when his free kick was deflected past Emille Baron, the South African goalkeeper who plays for Norwegian club Lillestrom.
The Black Meteors gained control and it took several timely interceptions by David Kannemeyer to prevent South Africa falling behind before they came close to regaining the lead with 18 minutes left.
Mzunani Mgwigwi, a second-half substitute for Stanton Fredericks, broke through in a rare counterattack only to be foiled by a brilliant save from Osei Boateng.
Guinea were hosting All-Africa Games champions Cameroon on Sunday night in the other Group 2 match.
The three African pool winners qualify for the finals from September 13-30 in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney and the best runners-up meet the Oceania champions for another place. — AFP