Bafana Bafana share spoils with Algeria in their 2024 CHAN opener

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Bafana Bafana share spoils with Algeria in their 2024 CHAN opener
Image - TUF UG

Bafana Bafana started their CHAN campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The North African nation was keen on collecting their second win of the competition to stand a chance of making it out of the pool that also has co-hosts Uganda, who they beat 3-0 in the opening game, Niger and Guinea.

Molefi Ntseki needed a good start on Friday, with the majority of his unattached players ready to use the opportunity to market themselves.

Bafana Bafana survive a slow start to force first-half draw

Algeria were given a massive chance in the fifth minute when Kwanda Mngonyama brought down dangerman Aymen Mahious, but the set-piece didn't pay any dividends.

Bafana Bafana custodian Samukelo Xulu had to be at his best to deny the unmarked Abderrahmane Meziane, who had managed to connect an inch-perfect cross from Mahious. Wayde Jooste had tried, in vain to clear the danger.

South Africa were no match for the Fennecs in the early exchanges, and were let loose on several occasions.

However, their luck ran out in the 29th minute when a rebound fell kindly on Abdennour Belhocini whose rocket from outside the 18-yard area beat Xulu in South Africa's goal.

In the stroke of half-time, a long ball from the back fell kindly to Menzi Masuku, whose initial strike was blocked, but the rebound was collected by Thabiso Kutumela, who expertly guided the ball past the advancing Zakaria Bohualfaya to ensure teams went to the break tied 1-1.

Lively second half ends goalless

The game opened up after the pause, with both teams chasing a second goal. It almost worked out for the Fennecs in the 50th minute when Xulu's vital touch ensured Meziane didn't find the back of the net.

Algeria could have scored their second goal of the match in the 77th minute when a good move ended with the ball reaching substitute Akhrib Lahlou in a good angle, but despite the time he had, he just couldn't hit the target.

A good move in the 84th minute ended with former Orlando Pirates midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo failing to find the target.

With about two minutes to go, Algeria failed to clear their lines, and a loose ball eventually fell on Fortune Makaringe. However, his ambitious effort didn't trouble the goalkeeper as it flew over the bar for a goalkick.

Bafana Bafana looked comfortable with a point, from the way they were playing in the last few minutes, and were lucky not to concede a penalty in the added minutes. Eventually, it ended 1-1 with Algeria collecting four points from the two games played.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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