- South Africa earned a hard-fought win over Algeria in their first fixture of TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 on Friday evening
- South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki recognized Algeria’s football identity and congratulated them for a good start to the tournament
Algeria vs South Africa. On Friday, South Africa earned a hard-fought win over Algeria in their first fixture of TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
Algeria, who are among favorites to win CHAN 2024, took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Abdennour Belhocini. But South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela levelled the scores just before half-time to restore parity in the entertaining match.
Both teams pushed for the winning goal in the second half but a 1-1 draw was the score at full-time. South Africa enjoyed 57% possession and completed 390 passes with a passing accuracy of 85%. Algeria, on the other hand, were so focused on finding the back of the net, recording 14 shots compared to Bafana Bafana’s seven. Whereas there was no red card, South Africa had two yellow cards while Algeria had one.
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South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki recognized Algeria’s football identity and congratulated them for a good start to the tournament. He also thanked the fans for welcoming his team at the Namboole Nelson Mandela Stadium, which is one of the stadiums named after former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“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.”
Algeria vs South Africa
Algeria vs South Africa was one of the most awaited fixtures at CHAN 2024. Algeria started their campaign earlier this week with a solid 3-0 win over Uganda in Kampala. South Africa, on the other hand, faced the North African giants in their first match at the tournament which is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Algeria, motivated by the 3-0 win over Uganda on Monday, started the match against South Africa on a high note, pressing high in the opening minutes. Abderrahmane Meziane nearly gave the Fennecs the lead early on after connecting with Aimen Mahious’ cross but South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu reacted well to ensure his side stayed alive.
However, Algeria’s efforts eventually paid off in the 29th minute when Abdennour Iheb Belhocini fired a thunderous shot from outside the box to beat Xulu. The goal did not demoralize Molefi Ntseki’s men as they showed their attacking prowess and eventually found the leveler on the stroke of half-time.
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The goal lifted Bafana Bafana’s spirits at the start of the second half but Algeria’s solid defense ensured they slowed down the momentum of the match. Fatigue played a role as the game continued hence reckless tackles by Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama and Mehdi Merghem, reflecting the game’s competitiveness. The two teams eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
In another Group C fixture, Uganda Cranes returned to winning ways in stellar fashion by thumping Guinea 3-0. Friday’s results leaves the group wide open with all four teams still in position of advancing to the knockout stages of CHAN 2024.
Algeria are top of Group C and will be looking for a win against Niger in the final fixture of the group to be guaranteed progression. South Africa, on the other hand, will also be hopeful for a win against hosts Uganda in their second fixture of the group.
