CHAN: South Africa had anxious moments despite Algeria draw – Ntseki

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki has confessed that his side struggled with anxious moments despite securing a vital point in their 1-1 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) draw against Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

Coming into the Group C fixture, the Fennecs had kicked off their campigan with a resounding 3-0 win against hosts Uganda. However, their run of successive victories at CHAN came to a halt as Bafana Bafana fought back to earn a draw.

Algeria opened the scoring when Abdennour Iheb Belhocini fired a shot from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu in the 29th minute. Bafana Bafana never dropped their heads and were rewarded when Thabiso Kutumela beat Algeria goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya to level matters on the stroke of halftime.

“It was an important match against a team who started the tournament well. Our players showed dedication and commitment. Tactically, we were sound, though we had some anxious moments,” he said as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“Algeria have their own football identity and culture. It doesn’t matter who is coaching, the team’s identity is clear. Congratulations to the entire Algeria team. We were warmly welcomed by the fans and playing in a stadium named after Nelson Mandela is a source of pride. We are proud of the way the team presented itself.”

Bafana will return to action on Monday when they face Guinea at the same venue. Guinea were beaten 3-0 by Uganda in the other Group C match played on Friday night.