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U-23 side Olympic bid is on

THE government showered the Under-23 national soccer side with praises yesterday for keeping their 2012 London Olympics dream alive in such superb fashion.

South Africa are now one hurdle from qualifying for the tournament after thumping Benin 5-1 at Rand Stadium yesterday.

Doctor Mampuru and company went through 6-4 on aggregate after Benin won the first-leg match 3-1.

South Africa are now through to the eight-nation mini tournament scheduled for December where the top three countries will qualify for the Games.

The fourth placed team will feature in a play-off match against an Asian confederation team.

"Congratulations to Bra Shakes (Mashaba, the Under-23 coach), his technical staff and players for a job well done," said Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula. Speaking through his media officer Paena Galane, Mbalula said: "We are happy the Olympic dream lives on."

Mashaba said: "The plan of neutralising Benin in the middle of the park worked perfectly well as we did not allow them to play. "Our boys showed character; we are proud of them as a nation. I thought we conceded a silly goal but the most important thing is that we are through to the next round."

Phumelele "Ace" Bhengu opened the floodgates in the 10th minute. Thamsanqa Sangweni made it 2-0 for SA with a superb long-range shot in the 25th minute and Mandla Masango rattled the back of the net in the 38th minute. Bongani Ndlula added his name to the score-sheet in the 42nd before Benin pulled one back through Abdel Suanon in the 79th minute.

Ndulula completed his brace in the 86th minute.

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