Teji Savanier's late goal lifts France over South Africa 4-3

Posted July 25, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

France's Teji Savanier celebrates after scoring a goal during a men's soccer match against South Africa at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) The Associated Press

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) - Teji Savanier scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time and Andre-Pierre Gignac added three more to give France a 4-3 victory over South Africa on Sunday in the group stage of the men's Olympic soccer tournament.

After a scoreless first half, Kobamelo Kodisang's goal put South Africa in front in the 53rd minute. Gignac tied it with his first goal about four minutes later.

Evidence Makgopa put South Africa back in front but Cignac again countered in the 78th. Teboho Mokoena then scored for South Africa in the 81st minute before Cignac converted from the penalty spot in the 86th to set the stage for Savanier's late blast.

South Africa forward Luther Singh's penalty attempt in the 40th minute hit the crossbar and skirted over the goal.

South Africa lost to host Japan 1-0 to open Group A on Thursday. France, which won the gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was routed by Mexico 4-1 in its opener. Gignac also scored for Les Bleus in that game.

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More AP Olympic coverage: https://www.apnews.com/OlympicGames and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Luther Singh of South Africa, center, reacts after missing a penalty kick during a men's soccer match against France at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) The Associated Press

France's Andre-Pierre Gignac celebrates after scoring a goal during a men's soccer match against South Africa at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) The Associated Press

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