South Africa launched their CHAN 2024 marketing campaign with a decided efficiency, holding Group C favorites Algeria to a 1-1 draw on the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
In a match the place Algeria dominated massive spells, it was Thabiso Kutumela’s scientific strike in first-half stoppage time that earned Bafana Bafana a vital level. Algeria had earlier gone forward by Abdennour Belhocini’s fierce low drive within the twenty ninth minute.
The Desert Foxes appeared the extra prone to rating all through the match, however South Africa’s disciplined form and defensive focus pissed off their opponents, particularly within the second half.
Belhocini’s opener got here after Aymen Mahious had his preliminary effort blocked inside the world. The rebound fell kindly for the CR Belouizdad ahead, who rifled his shot beneath South African keeper Samukelo Zulu.
Regardless of the strain, South Africa responded with a well-worked aim simply earlier than the break. Malibongwe Khoza launched a pinpoint diagonal ball from deep, which discovered Menzi Masuku in stride. Though Masuku’s first contact was heavy, the ball rolled into the trail of Kutumela, who slotted dwelling to make it 1-1.
Algeria pushed arduous within the second half. Within the fiftieth minute, Zulu pulled off a superb save to disclaim Abderrahmane Meziane from shut vary. Seventeen minutes later, Mahious had a golden alternative to revive Algeria’s lead however headed extensive with the aim at his mercy.
The drama continued within the dying minutes when Algeria substitute Mehdi Merghem went down within the field. Nonetheless, the referee noticed no contact and as a substitute booked the ahead for simulation.
The outcome retains Algeria high of Group C with 4 factors from two matches, whereas South Africa, on one level, will take loads of positives heading into Monday’s conflict in opposition to Guinea. Algeria’s last group fixture comes in opposition to the Syli Nationwide subsequent Friday.
