South Africa’s men’s football team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney made a lasting impression, particularly with their unforgettable 3-1 victory over Brazil in the group stage.

This match, held on September 17, 2000, was one of the most remarkable moments in South African football history, showcasing the U-23 team’s skill, determination, and ability to compete against one of the world’s footballing giants.

The 2000 Olympics in Sydney marked the first time that South Africa’s men’s football team participated in the Games since the end of apartheid. Coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba was in charge, and he led a team – nicknamed “Amaglug-glug” – that was young but full of potential. Key players like Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune, and Siyabonga Nomvethe formed the backbone of the squad, while the likes of Jabu Pule, Delron Buckley, Stanton Fredericks and Brian Baloyi were either established stars or would go on to have fine careers.

South Africa was placed in a tough Group D alongside Brazil, Slovakia, and Japan. Despite the challenges posed by these teams, the South Africans were determined to make their mark on the global stage.

Unfortunately, their tournament got off to a rocky start, losing 2-1 to Japan in Canberra despite claiming the lead through Nomvethe.

However, Amaglug-glug bounced back in spectacular style in their next match, downing Brazil in Brisbane.

South Africa claimed a 10th minute lead via a brilliant strike direct from a free kick by Quinton Fortune, but were immediately pegged back by an equaliser from Edu. The match was then deadlocked until the 74th minute, when Nomvethe headed home from a left-flank cross to put his side back in front.

And any hopes of a Brazil comeback were squashed in the final minute of regulation time when Steve Lekoelea had a close-range tap-in to complete the scoring and seal a 3-1 triumph for Amaglug-glug.

This victory over Brazil was not just a feat of skill and strategy, but also of mental fortitude. It demonstrated South Africa’s ability to rise to the occasion when faced with one of the most storied teams in world football.

Though South Africa was ultimately eliminated in the group stage – after losing 2-1 to Slovakia three days later – the win over Brazil remained one of the highlights of their Olympic campaign and a proud moment in South African sports history. 

It solidified the team’s growing reputation in African and world football, and is often cited as one of the best performances by a South African national football team on the international stage.