South Africa opened their 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with a defeat. The Bafana Bafana lost to hosts Japan 1-0 and Takefusa Kubo scored the winning goal in the 71st for the Japanese.
And David Notoane threw all his players forward but they cannot find the equalizer as they were comfortably outplayed over the 90 minutes.
In the first two games in which African teams featured, Egypt shared the spoils with Spain with a goalless draw.
South Africa have fixtures remaining against France and Mexico. And they now have an uphill task if they are going to make the knockouts.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast defeated Saudi Arabia in their first Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games match as Max Gradel and Franck Kessié scored to hand the West African side a dreamed start.
Soualiho Ahidara’s men were the first to take advantage in the game as veteran forward Max Gradel materialized their perfect start to the game with a cross which compelled Saudi defender Abdulelah Al-Amri to score an own-goal at the 39th minute.
However, the Elephants failed to secure that scoreline going into the dressing room as Saudi Arabia forward scored from a long-range strike as Salem Al-Dawsari beat Ivory Coast goalkeeper Ira Tapé (44 minutes).
Amad Diallo who was impressive during first-half appeared to be discreet and will be subbed as well as Max Gradel.
However, the Elephants scored the winner by a beautiful goal from AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié in the 66th minutes as he converted a lovely assist of the Manchester United Golden Boy.
That goal of the 24-year-old was the match winner for Ivory Coast who were left 10-man after second half substitute Aboubacar Doumbia was shown a red card in the additional time.
Ivory Coast will take on Brazil on Sunday, July 25 for their second game.