Algeria’s Winning Streak Ends as South Africa Earn Gritty Draw in CHAN Group C Clash

Algeria’s run of successive victories at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) was halted on Friday night as a spirited South African side fought back to claim a 1-1 draw in their Group C encounter at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

The Fennecs, riding high from their emphatic 3-0 triumph over co-hosts Uganda in their opening fixture, appeared on course for another three points when Abdennour Belhocini broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. However, Bafana Bafana struck back through Thabiso Kutumela on the stroke of half-time to ensure an even share of the spoils in an absorbing contest.

The result leaves Algeria on four points from two matches, while South Africa — returning to the tournament for the first time in over a decade — begin their campaign with a valuable point against one of the competition’s top contenders.  

Algeria approached the game with confidence, seeking to extend their unbeaten group-stage record at CHAN to eight matches. Coach Madjid Bougherra’s men pressed high from the outset, forcing South Africa onto the back foot.

Early warning signs for Bafana came when Abderrahmane Meziane’s low drive was expertly parried by goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu after an inviting cross from Aimen Mahious.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. Belhocini pounced on a loose clearance outside the box and unleashed a precise left-footed strike into the bottom right corner, leaving Xulu rooted to the spot. Algerian fans roared in celebration, sensing another step toward the knockout stages.

Despite being second-best for most of the first half, South Africa — under coach Molefi Ntseki — refused to fold. Their patience paid off in the dying moments before the interval.

A neat passing sequence involving Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema sliced open the Algerian defence, allowing Kutumela to ghost into the box and finish coolly with his left foot.

The 45th-minute equaliser shifted the momentum, giving the South Africans renewed belief heading into the break and ending Algeria’s remarkable run of over 450 minutes without conceding in CHAN group-stage action.

The second period saw both teams chase a decisive goal. Algeria continued to dominate possession, with Mahious and Meziane both coming close — Mahious in particular heading narrowly wide from a corner.

South Africa posed their own threat, with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and substitute Matlhari Makarine testing Algerian goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya from distance.

Ntseki’s tactical adjustments, notably introducing Zakhele Lepasa and Keagan Dolly, injected pace and stretched Algeria’s back line. However, captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele marshalled Bafana’s defence superbly, frustrating Algeria’s attacking forays.

As fatigue set in, the match became increasingly physical. Bookings for Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama of South Africa and Mehdi Merghem of Algeria reflected the competitive edge that carried through to the final whistle.

For Algeria, the draw was a reminder of the fine margins in tournament football. While their attacking movement remained sharp, wastefulness in front of goal cost them maximum points.

Bougherra will take encouragement from his side’s control of possession but will be mindful of defensive lapses that allowed South Africa back into the game.

South Africa, meanwhile, can take great pride in their resilience. This performance, especially against a side unbeaten in open play over their last seven CHAN outings, offers a solid foundation for their campaign.

Group C remains finely poised with all five teams still in contention for quarter-final places. Algeria face Niger in their next group game, knowing a win will secure their progression.

South Africa turn their focus to a crucial clash with Uganda, where victory could put them within touching distance of the knockout stages.

For now, Friday’s result stands as a testament to South Africa’s fighting spirit — and a warning to Algeria that nothing comes easy at CHAN.