 Botha had scored twice within four minutes of kick-off |
Striker Ryan Botha got off to an amazing start on his debut as South Africa ran out 4-1 winners against Algeria in qualifying for next year's Olympic Games on Saturday. Finland-based Botha scored twice within four minutes of kick-off at Olympia Park.
Gift Leremi added a third after 14 minutes in searing temperatures heat before slack marking gifted Ismail Boutid a goal in first-half stoppage time.
However, Benedict Vilakazi put the result beyond doubt with a 72nd-minute solo effort.
Victory was a timely boost for South Africa, who lost their opening match 1-0 in Ghana two months ago after having several clearcut penalty appeals rejected by the Burkina Faso referee.
Meanwhile in the other game in the group, Zambia were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in an uneventful match in Lusaka.
The results mean Ghana now top the group by a point from the South Africans, with Zambia bottom.
In Group A, Nigeria and Tunisia played out a 1-1 draw in Bauchi.
Segun Abiodun opened the scoring for the Nigerians in the 15th minute.
Gamaa Isaam got the equaliser midway through the second half.
In the other match in the group Senegal easily disposed of Egypt in Dakar, winning 2-0.
Senegal were helped on their way by an 18th minute own goal from Egypt's Mahmoud Ahmed. Lamine Diarra sealed it with eight minutes remaining.
Senegal now top the group along with Nigeria, who both have four points.
The top team from each group will qualify for the Olympics in Athens next year.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 