Both teams have booked their spot at the finals, though Phiri was not released by his Danish club Brondby for the Under-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal and had to watch the tournament from Europe.
He spoke of his heartbreak at missing out and will now hope that Under-23 coach Owen da Gama keeps faith with him in the coming months so he can take his place in Rio.
“I would love to meet Denmark in the tournament,” he told Danish media. “It would be a great experience to be able to compare the level of junior football between the two countries. ?
“Denmark have quality players, but that does not stop me from wanting to meet them. I also want to grow as a footballer and that happens when you play against skillful players.”
Twelve of the 16 teams for the men’s competition in Rio have been decided.
Aside from South Africa, Denmark and home nation Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Mexico, Honduras, Fiji, Algeria and Nigeria have all booked their spot.
Three teams from the Asian confederation must still be determined, along with the winner of a play-off tie between USA and Colombia that is scheduled for March.