FRANCE came from behind thrice to beat South Africa 4-3 on Sunday to get their first points in the men’s football event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Veteran striker Andre-Pierre Gignac scored a second-half hat-trick to secure the much-needed win for the French, who lost their opening match to Mexico.
Tigers of Mexico striker Gignac scored France’s third equaliser in the 85th minute from the penalty spot before Teji Savanier struck the winner in added time.
South Africa, who lost their opening fixture to hosts Japan, have now crashed out of the tournament.
They led three times through second-half goals from Kobamelo Kodisang, Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena.
In Group A’s other game also on Sunday, Japan defeated Mexico 2-1 at the Saitama Stadium.
A Takefusa Kubo strike and Ritsu Doan’s penalty gave the hosts a 2-0 half-time lead before Mexico’s Johan Vasquez was sent off in the 68th minute with a straight red card.
The 10 men pulled one goal back in the 85th minute through Roberto Alverado but Japan clung on for their second victory to go on top of the table with six points.
In Group D, Rio 2016 gold medallists Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Cote d’Ivoire.
Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz was dismissed in the 13th minute but the West Africans could not take advantage before their own Eboue Kouassi was also sent off late in the game.
In Group C, Argentina bounced back from their opening game defeat to Australia to beat Egypt on Sunday.
Facundo Medina scored the only goal early in the second half.
Spain defeated Australia 1-0 courtesy of Mikel Oyarzabal’s 85th minute strike to go top of Group C with four points.
Burnley striker Chris Wood scored New Zealand’s second goal in their 3-2 defeat to Honduras in Group B, leaving all the teams with three points each from their first two fixtures.
South Korea beat Romania 4-0 to go top of the group on goal difference.
In the last match of the day, Germany’s 10 men defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2.
Germany’s Nigerian-born centre-back Felix Uduokhai scored the winning goal in the 75th minute, nine minutes after Amos Pieper was sent off.
Saudi Arabia came from behind twice to make the score 2-2 before Udokhai broke their resistance and gave Germany their first points after their 4-2 opening defeat to Brazil.
