CHAN: South Africa enter Group C with hard earned point against Algeria

South Africa got their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign off to a strong start in Uganda with a 1-1 draw against Group C favorites Algeria on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

Thabiso Kutumela cancelled out the opening goal from Algeria’s Abdennour Belhocini with a poacher’s finish in first half stoppage time. Algeria created the majority of the opportunities and looked more dangerous throughout but Bafana Bafana managed the second half well to keep the score level and share the points.

South Africa put on a spirited display that focused on limiting space for Algeria’s attacking stars, a strategy that made things difficult for Les Verts while creating the occasional chance. However, there was no stopping Algeria’s opening goal in the 29th minute when Belhocini’s smashed a low shot that snuck under Bafana goalkeeper Samukelo Zulu after Aymen Mahious’ initial effort was blocked.

But rather than go on to take control of the game, Algeria struggled to make good on their advantage and Bafana Bafana pegged back with a surprise equalizer just before halftime. Malibongwe Khoza’s excellent floated pass from his own end found the well timed run of Menzi Masuku.

The forward’s first touch was not great but it ended up being a perfect lay off for the trailing Kutumela who finished low past Algeria goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.

Algeria had two excellent chances to reclaim the lead in the second half but after Mahious’ cross found Abderrahmane Meziane in the 50th minute, Zulu did excellently to deny the winger. Mahious was then set up for an open header in the 67th minute but his attempt went wide with Zulu beat. In the final moments, Algeria substitute Mehdi Merghem went down under a challenge but the referee decided on a yellow card for simulation.

Algeria, with four points from two games, will next face Guinea in a week next Friday. With a point from their opening game, South Africa will take confidence before their second game against Guinea on Monday.