Algeria failed to capitalise on their commanding start to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship as South Africa battled back from behind to secure a 1-1 draw that has transformed the complexion of Group C in Kampala.
The Fennecs, who had looked unstoppable after demolishing co-hosts Uganda 3-0 in their opener, were unable to break down a resilient Bafana Bafana side making their first appearance at the tournament since 2014, with South Africa’s 11-year absence from continental competition making their spirited comeback all the more impressive. The result ended Algeria’s perfect defensive record and opened up genuine qualification drama.
Playing at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium – one of the flagship venues for the delayed CHAN PAMOJA 2024 across co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – Algeria’s inability to convert territorial dominance into victory will concern coach Madjid Bougherra ahead of their final group fixture.
The tournament, finally launched in August after being postponed from February, witnessed exactly the kind of competitive balance the organisers had hoped for, with South Africa’s return to continental football proving they remain a force to be reckoned with despite their lengthy absence.
Algeria failed to build on Abdennour Belhocini’s well-taken 29th-minute opener, allowing South Africa to regroup and find their equaliser through Thabiso Kutumela just before half-time in a moment that shifted the entire dynamic of the contest.
The North Africans had begun in trademark fashion, pressing high and creating early chances through Abderrahmane Meziane and Aimen Mahious. When Belhocini seized on a loose ball outside the box to drill home a precise left-footed strike, it seemed the pattern of their Uganda rout would repeat itself against opponents who had not graced this stage since 2014.
Yet Algeria failed to press home their advantage during a dominant first-half display, and that profligacy proved costly as South Africa demonstrated the fighting spirit that has characterised their remarkable return to the continental stage. For a side that had been absent from CHAN since 2014, Bafana Bafana’s composure under pressure was remarkable, with Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema combining intelligently to create the space for Kutumela’s clinical finish that stunned the Fennecs and announced South Africa’s intent to make up for lost time.
The second period saw Algeria fail to rediscover their early rhythm, despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory. Meziane and Mahious both spurned good opportunities, whilst South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu produced several important saves to keep his side level.
Algeria’s frustration grew as the match wore on, with their usual slick passing combinations disrupted by South Africa’s well-organised defensive shape. Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele marshalled his backline superbly, while tactical substitutions from Molefi Ntseki – bringing on Zakhele Lepasa and Keagan Dolly – gave Bafana Bafana fresh attacking impetus.
The South African performance was all the more creditable given the psychological burden they carried into this tournament. Having missed the last three editions of CHAN, there were genuine questions about whether a side that had been absent from this level of continental competition could compete with established powers like Algeria. Yet their display suggested that some footballing qualities transcend tournament appearances – their defensive discipline, work ethic and tactical intelligence all bore the hallmarks of a team that understands the rigours of African football, even after such an extended absence.
Ntseki’s side showed particular maturity in managing the game’s crucial moments, never allowing Algeria’s periods of dominance to unsettle their shape or game plan. For players like Kutumela and Masuku, this represented their first taste of continental football at this level, yet they performed with the composure of seasoned campaigners.
The Fennecs’ inability to find a winner means their defensive record stretching over 450 minutes without conceding in CHAN group matches is over, whilst their failure to secure maximum points has opened the door for both South Africa and Uganda to harbour realistic quarter-final ambitions. For South Africa, returning to continental competition after more than a decade away, the point represents vindication of their decision to re-engage with CHAN and suggests their lengthy exile may have ended at precisely the right moment.
With four points from two matches, Algeria remain favourites to progress but their failure to kill off the game against supposedly inferior opposition will provide encouragement to their remaining opponents. South Africa’s point represents a significant achievement for a side returning to continental competition after such a lengthy hiatus, validating coach Molefi Ntseki’s decision to embrace this tournament as a pathway back to African football’s top table, and sets up a crucial final group encounter with Uganda.
Algeria’s stumble ensures Group C remains fascinatingly poised, with three teams still capable of reaching the knockout stages – exactly the kind of unpredictable narrative the co-hosting nations hoped would define their successful launch of the delayed championship across East Africa.
