FOOTBALL – Algeria's run of successive victories at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a halt as South Africa fought back to earn a 1-1 draw in their Group C clash in Kampala yesterday.
The Fennecs, buoyed by their emphatic 3-0 win over co-hosts Uganda in their opening match, took the lead through Abdennour Belhocini’s composed strike just before the half-hour mark.
But Thabiso Kutumela’s clinical finish on the stroke of half-time ensured Molefi Ntseki’s side claimed a point in their tournament opener.
Both teams now remain firmly in contention for a quarter-final place, with Algeria moving to four points from two matches while South Africa open their campaign with an encouraging result against one of the competition’s favourites.
Algeria began the encounter full of confidence, looking to secure back-to-back wins and extend their unbeaten group-stage record at CHAN to eight matches.
They pressed high in the opening minutes, with Abderrahmane Meziane forcing an early save from South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu after a neat cross from Aimen Mahious.
The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when Belhocini, who had looked lively throughout, seized on a loose ball outside the box and drilled a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner.
The finish was precise, leaving Xulu with no chance and sending the Algerian supporters into celebration.
South Africa, competing in the tournament for the first time in 11 years, refused to be overawed.
Despite being second-best for much of the first half, they found a way back in the dying moments before the break.
A clever build-up involving Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema opened up the Algerian defence, allowing Kutumela to latch onto a pass and slot home with his left foot from the centre of the box.
The equaliser, timed in the 45th minute, was a blow to Algeria’s control and lifted Bafana Bafana’s spirits going into half-time.
The second half saw both sides push for a winner, with chances at either end.
Meziane and Mahious both came close for Algeria – the latter sending a header narrowly wide – while Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and substitute Matlhari Makarine tested Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya from range.
Bougherra’s side continued to enjoy territorial advantage, forcing several corners and testing Xulu’s reflexes.
But South Africa’s defensive organisation, led by captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele, kept the North Africans at bay.
As the game wore on, fatigue and a flurry of substitutions disrupted the rhythm.
The contest grew scrappy, with yellow cards for South Africa’s Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama and Algeria’s Mehdi Merghem reflecting the competitive edge.
For Algeria, the result means their impressive defensive record in CHAN group matches – which had stretched over 450 minutes without conceding – is over.
Bougherra will take positives from the attacking interplay but will be concerned about missed opportunities to kill off the game.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be encouraged by the resilience shown against an opponent unbeaten in open play in their last seven CHAN matches.
Ntseki’s tactical switch in the second half, bringing on Zakhele Lepasa and Keagan Dolly, helped stretch the game and gave Bafana more outlets in attack.
Algeria, with four points from two games, remain in control of their qualification fate and will face Niger in their final group match.
A win would guarantee progression to the quarter-finals.
South Africa will now turn their attention to Uganda, knowing that victory could put them on the brink of a knockout place.
The result also keeps Group C wide open, with all four teams still mathematically in contention.
Later in the evening, Uganda surged back into contention in Group C after defeating Guinea 3-0 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
A first-half header from Mpande, Okello’s perfectly converted spot-kick, followed by Ahimbisiwe’s late goal, meant a change of fortune for the home-based Uganda Cranes.
A total of six changes were made by coach Morley Byekwaso ahead of the game, including a late change that saw Joel Mutakubwa start ahead of Denis Kiggundu in goal.
Uganda face off against Niger next, while Guinea will go up against South Africa on game day 3.
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