CHAN 2024: South Africa Fight Back to Hold Algeria to 1-1 Draw
- South Africa held Algeria to a 1-1 draw in their 2024 CHAN Group C match in Kampala
- Thabiso Kutumela’s strike cancelled out Abdennour Belhocini’s opener just before half-time
- Bafana Bafana remain third in the group, with Algeria staying top on four points
South Africa came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Algeria in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C encounter at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday evening.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana third in the group standings after opening their CHAN campaign with consecutive draws. Algeria, the 2022 runners-up, remain top of the table with four points from two matches.
Coach Molefi Ntseki’s side will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Guinea on 11 August, where they will be aiming for their first win of the tournament. Algeria will also meet Guinea in their final group game on 15 August.
Algeria strike first
In a tightly contested opening half, it was Algeria who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Abdennour Belhocini found space on the edge of the box and rifled a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu to give the Desert Foxes a 1-0 lead.
South Africa responded positively, creating chances by threading passes in behind the Algerian defence. Their persistence was rewarded on the stroke of half-time when Menzi Masuku played in Thabiso Kutumela, who calmly slotted home to level the score at 1-1.
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Chances at both ends
The second half saw both teams pushing for the winner. In the 50th minute, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo came close for Bafana Bafana with a shot that drifted narrowly wide. Moments later, Xulu pulled off a brilliant reflex save to deny Algeria from close range.
Ndlondlo continued to test the Algerian defence, unleashing a long-range effort in the 76th minute that again missed the target. Algeria also had their moments in attack but failed to find a way past the resilient South African backline.
Despite late substitutions from both sides in search of fresh legs, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended with the points shared.
Line-ups
Algeria: Bouhalfaya, Halaimia, Alilet, Ghezala, Chetti, Merbah, Boukerchaoui (Merghem 83’), Belhocini (Akhrib 62’), Draoui, Meziane, Mahious (Bayazid 83’).
South Africa: Xulu, Mphahlele, Johannes, Mngonyama, Khoza (Makaringe 66’), Mashego (Lepasa 83’), Ndlondlo, Maema (Masiya 83’), Jooste, Kutumela (Tlolane 83’), Masuku (Dolly 66’).
Scorers
Algeria: Belhocini (29’)
South Africa: Kutumela (45’)
Bafana Bafana tipped to do well at CHAN
Briefly News previously reported that Bafana Bafana’s CHAN squad may be full of surprises, but football pundit Mandla Biyela believes they are the favourites to lift the trophy.
In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, respected South African football analyst Mandla Biyela shared why he believes Bafana Bafana have what it takes to go all the way in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is currently underway in East Africa.
According to Biyela, the decision to include players like Fortune Makaringe brings much-needed tournament experience, while also giving a platform to emerging talent
Source: Briefly News
