Mathoho ruled out of crucial Iraq clash

Cape Town - The South Africa Men’s Under-23 will be without the services of defender Eric Mathoho and striker Lebo Mothiba when they face Iraq in their crucial last Group A match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

According to the official SAFA website, Mathoho was ruled out due to an ankle injury as he went down in the last 10 minutes of their 1-0 loss to Denmark following a strong tackle on the 26-year-old.

Meanwhile, Mothiba has been withdrawn because of a potential case of chicken pox.

The good news is that Abbubaker Mobara, who also left the pitch in the last match suffering from a hamstring strain, is available for selection.

South Africa will face Iraq in a do or die affair at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, August 10

Kick-off is at 22:00 local time (03:00 SA time, Thursday morning).