South Africa clinched a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics after beating Senegal 3-1 on penalties after the U23 AFCON third-place play-off ended goalless.
The visitors started brightly and forced a save from Pape Ndiaye in the sixth minute. Keagan Dolly did great work on the right flank before crossing for Gift Motupa, but his shot was deflected over the bar by the goalkeeper.
In the 17th minute Senegal had a good chance when Samba Ndiaye set it up for Mouhamadou Diallo to shoot from close range, but February made a crucial save.
Senegal had two back-to-back opportunities just past the 20-minute mark. Sidy Sarr got the ball in the box and had time to set himself to shoot, but it went wide. Diallo then shot from the edge of the area but it went well over.
Amaglug-glug forced a decent save from the Senegal goalkeeper in the 44th minute when a free kick rebounded off the wall and was smashed on the volley by Phakamani Mahlambi.
South Africa had a great chance after the break when Mahlambi produced a terrific through-ball that put Motupa one-on-one. However, he somehow sent his shot wide.
It should have been 1-0 in the 58th minute. February palmed away a free kick and the ball fell for Diallo, but he managed to miss the open goal.
The hosts won a penalty in the 73rd minute when February obstructed Ismaila Sarr’s run, but he then redeemed himself by saving Moussa Wague’s spot-kick. The loose ball fell for Ibrahima Keita, but his shot hit the woodwork.
The game went to penalties and February was in great form as he saved three of Senegal’s spot-kicks to ensure South Africa grab the victory, with Mahlambi netting the final penalty with composure.
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