Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-all draw against Algeria in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) opening group match played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The team had to come from a goal down to force a draw against the north Africans.
The Desert Foxes took the lead in the 29th minute, when Abdennour Iheb Belhocini put the ball past goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
Following several attempts, Bafana were rewarded in the 45th minute, when Thabiso Kutumela beat goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya to level matters.
Both teams failed to extend their lead in the second half of the match, and had to settle for a draw, to earn one point each.
Coach Molefi Ntseki, said the team showed some fatigue, despite proper preparations ahead of the continental tournament.
“The team showed some fatigue, but the most important thing is qualification. I am very proud of my players, they showed bravery and fought hard,” said Ntseki.
The coach acknowledged that they were wary of their North Africans counterparts, as they struggled to beat them in the past, and after they beat hosts and Group C contenders Uganda 3-0 in their opening match of the tournament on Monday.
“Over the years the Algerians have always had a football culture, and it has never changed whether they were under a foreign or a local coach.
“You see them always believing in their philosophy, their style of play and the culture of the country. When it comes to Algeria, we expected the type of football that we saw today,” explained Ntseki.
There was however good news for Bafana, when Malibongwe Khoza walked away with the Man of the Match Award after delivering a stellar performance.
The team will be hoping to clinch three points on Monday, when they face Guinea at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Uganda beat Guinea 3-0 in another Group C match played on Friday night.
Algeria currently tops Group C, although they have played one game more than Bafana.
