CHAN: Algeria’s Bougherra blames fatigue for South Africa’s comeback draw

Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra has blamed the team’s 1-1 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) draw against South Africa to fatigue.

The Group C fixture at Nelson Mandela Stadium saw the Fennecs open the scoring when Abdennour Iheb Belhocini fired a shot from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu in the 29th minute.

However, Bafana never dropped their heads and were rewarded when Thabiso Kutumela beat Algeria goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya to level matters on the stroke of halftime.

The draw ended Algeria’s run of successive victories at CHAN. Despite commending his players for the outcome, Bougherra explained the reason they were not able to register their second successive win, having beaten hosts Uganda 3-0 in the opener.

“The team showed some fatigue, but the most important thing is qualification. I am very proud of my players – they showed bravery and fought hard,” Bougherra told reporters after the game as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

Despite the draw, Algeria remained top of Group C with four points from two matches, while South Africa opened their campaign with a vital point. Algeria will just a draw in their final fixture to progress, while South Africa must beat Uganda and hope other results or goal difference work in their favour.