CHAN 2024: South Africa frustrate tournament favourites Algeria as Group C takes shape
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 08.08.25. | 19:24
The result certainly favours Uganda, who will hope to win their match and move to a point within the reach of Algeria who sit at the summit of Group C with four points
South Africa will have wait longer for a win after they began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria at Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
Batana Bafana had hoped to start the tournament with a win but in the end, had to settle for a point against the Desert Foxes who have established themselves as one of tournament favourites.
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South Africa had to labour hard for the point, coming from a goal down to hold Algeria who were playing their second match in the ongoing showpiece.
Algeria had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Abdennour Belhocini , with Thabiso Kutumela replying for South Africa in the 45th minute.
As expected, the match began with high intensity with, Algeria keen to pick up from where they left, having thumped Uganda 4-0 in their first match.
South Africa, on the other hand, drew strength from the fact that it was their first match of the campaign and a win would have placed them high in Group C.
The match saw a few half chances from both teams but when each got a slight opportunity, they used it and in the end, it counted.
Belhocini scored from a half volley outside the box after Aimen Mahious' initial shot was blocked by the South African defense.
South Africa grew into the game and threatened on the counter from which they scored in the 45th minute when Menzu Masuku made a good run into the box and laid the ball back to Kutumela who slotted home.
The second half was largely an all Algerian affair, as the North Africans dominated play in dangerous areas and created several chances.
Belhocini had the opportunity to get a brace in the 61st minute, but his free kick went over the bar.
Six minutes later, Mahious missed a glorious chance when he headed wide from the six yard box after beating his marker.
The 27-year-old was at it again two minutes later when he found space outside the box but shot over the bar once again.
Algeria once again had a chance to seal the game in the 78th minute but youngster Bilal Boukerchaoui shot wide with the goal clear at sight.
Substitute Lahlou Akhrib thought he had won a penalty for Algeria in the 87th minute but his please for a free hit did little to convince the centre referee.
Algeria had yet another penalty appeal denied, in the 93rd minute, when Mehdi Merghem went down in the box but the referee waved play on and later booked him for dissent as the match ended in a draw.
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The result leaves Algeria on top of Group C with four points from two matches as South Africa occupy the third position with one point.
