Japan vs South Africa Preview & Tips - Hosts to beat COVID-hit Amaglug-glug

Japan have a much stronger squad with an experienced backline. South Africa’s players have been in quarantine and haven’t been able to train ahead of this match. I am tipping a Japan win.

These sides have met once before in the 2000 Olympics as Japan won 2-1.

Japan went out in the group stage of the 2016 Olympics after finishing third behind Nigeria and Colombia.

The hosts have played three friendlies leading up to the tournament as they beat Jamaica 4-0 and won 3-1 against Honduras under 23.

Their last match saw a 1-1 draw against Spain’s under 23 Olympic team.

Goalkeepers: Keisuke Osako, Kosei Tani, Zion Suzuki

Defenders: Hiroki Sakai, Yuta Nakayama, Ko Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Reo Hatate, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Daiki Hashioka, Koki Machida, Ayumu Seko

Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo, Koji Miyoshi, Ritsu Dōan, Kaoru Mitoma, Yuki Soma, Ao Tanaka

Strikers:  Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Daichi Hayashi

Japan have a very strong defensive unit with Hajime Moriyasu able to call upon Bologna star Takehiro Tomiyasu who has been linked with Tottenham. Veteran Maya Toshida will captain the side at the back.

Defender Hiroki Sakai and midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart are the other overage players.

Amaglug-glug were knocked out in the group stages in the Rio 2016 Olympics after also facing the host nation in their opening match.

The team qualified for these Olympics after finishing third in the under 23 Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-2 draw against Ghana and win on penalties.

The side have had no friendlies prior to the tournament due to very disrupted preparations.

Goalkeepers: Mondli Mpoto, Ronwen Williams, Sifiso Mlungwana

Defenders: Tercious Malepe, Luke Fleurs, Thabiso Monyane, Reeve Frosler, Thendo Mukumela, MacBeth Mahlangu, Katlego Mohamme, Sibusiso Mabiliso

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Goodman Mosele, Kamohelo Mahlatsi

Attackers: Luther Singh, Evidence Makgopa, Kobamelo Kodisang

South Africa announced have just 19 players at the Olympics instead of the 22 allowed. Five players were sent home for poor discipline and just two replacements were named.

Winger Kamohelo Mahlatsi and fullback Thabiso Monyane tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival. Kaizer Chiefs’ defender Reeve Frosler and midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo arrived late having played in the CAF Champions League final four days ago.