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Da Gama changes two for Rio decider

Cape Town - South African U-23 head coach Owen da Gama has made two changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Tunisia in the semi-finals of the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament.

Tshepo Rikhotso and Phakamani Mahlambi return to the starting lineup for Saturday's third place play-off against Senegal, with the winner of the match booking their ticket to the Rio Olympics next year.

Menzi Masuku and Ryaad Norodien drop out.

Jody February remains in goals and the defence is also the same with Tebogo Moerane, Abbubaker Mobara, Rivaldo Coetzee and Kwanda Mngonyama while there is also an addition of Rikhotso.

The midfield has been slightly altered with Gift Motupa, Deolin Mekoa and Phumlani Ntshangase operating from there, while Keagan Dolly and Mahlambi will be looking for goals.

Dolly will again captain the side.

Kick-off is at 20:30 South African time.

According to the competition rules, if there is no winner after regulation time, then a penalty shootout will ensue to determine the winner of the match.

"This is about the team not about individuals. Let us get the win and give the country a fantastic festive holiday. From the first whistle Senegal must know it’s game on," said Da Gama.

"If you give 200 percent on the field then no one can touch us. We haven’t lost our objective, which is to qualify for Rio and this is the last chance we have, let us not waste it."

SA U-23 11 vs Senegal:

Jody February (GK), Kwanda Mngonyama, Rivaldo Coetzee, Tebogo Moerane, Abbubaker Mobara, Keagan Dolly (c), Phumlani Ntshangase, TSHEPO RIKHOTSO, Deolin Mekoa, PHAKAMANI MAHLAMBI, Gift Motupa

Subs:

Ricardo Goss (GK), Kyle Peters (GK), Tshepo Rikhotso, Zitha Macheke, Denwin Farmer, Siphelele Ntshangase, Sibusiso Sibeko, Paseka Mako, Phakamani Mahlambi, Dumisani Zuma, Ryaad Norodien, Menzi Masuku

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