South Africa’s men and women qualified for the Beijing Olympics by winning both finals at the African Olympic Qualifiers at Nairobi. Their men defeated Egypt 2-1 and become the fourth men’s country to qualify for Beijing, joining China, Korea and Pakistan. South Africa’s women cruised through their qualifier, beating Kenya 5-0 in the final. They scored 45 goals in their six games with-out conceding one. They join China and Japan at the 2008 Gaames. England’s chances to qualify Britain for Beijing come in the European Olympic Qualifier, the European Cup at Manchester next month.
Two of England’s rivals at the men’s European Cup, Ireland and France, will be attempting to win the Celtic Cup at Wrexham today. They jointly head the table after both won their first matches 3-1 before they drew 1-1 yesterday. Wales stayed in contention by beating Scotland 1-0 with a late goal by Andrew Seimann yesterday. George Harris, the Welsh goalkeeper, was outstanding. Tomorrow (Monday) Wales play Ireland after Scotland tackle France. Scotland cannot retain their men’s title but they should carry off the women’s trophy after beating Ireland 4-1 and Wales 7-1. The Welsh women had flattered to deceive on Saturday with their biggest victory for nine years, a 4-0 success over France.
