South Africa U23 Held By Algeria As AFCON Qualifier Prep Steps Up
South Africa U23 were held to a 1-1 draw by Algeria U23 in their second international friendly at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Assistant coach Kabelo Mogudi, who was in charge of the side, had hoped to make it two wins from two after South Africa secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Algeria in the first friendly on Thursday.
South Africa started brightly and created the first major opportunity in the 28th minute. Mfundo Vilakazi found space to test the Algeria defence, but his left-footed long-range effort went wide of the target.
The hosts continued to play at a high tempo and were rewarded for their pressure in the 33rd minute when they took the lead.
Kutlwano Letlhaku delivered a dangerous cross from the left, with Algeria defender Faiz Belgourai inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to give South Africa the advantage.
However, South Africa’s lead lasted just three minutes, with Algeria responding quickly to level the scores in the 36th minute.
Benahmed Kohili found the back of the net with a right-footed effort from inside the box after being set up by Karim Boutera, who provided the assist with a cross from the right.
Both teams maintained the intensity after the restart, with Algeria creating the first major chance of the second half in the 46th minute.
Boutera produced a right-footed effort from outside the box, but his shot struck the crossbar as South Africa survived an early scare.
South Africa then came close to restoring their lead in the 55th minute when Vilakazi found space inside the Algeria box. His left-footed effort, however, was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Yasser Zitouni.
Mogudi’s side continued to push forward and created another promising opportunity in the 68th minute.
Neo Rapoo produced a left-footed effort from inside the box, but Zitouni was once again equal to the challenge, making another important save to keep Algeria in the contest.
South Africa remained in control for large periods and came agonisingly close to finding a late winner in the 84th minute.
Faiz Abrahams fired a right-footed effort from inside the box, but his attempt was blocked on the goal line by an Algeria defender, ensuring neither side could find a winning goal.
The match ultimately ended 1-1, with South Africa taking a win and a draw from the two friendly encounters against Algeria.
The two matches formed part of the preparations for the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifiers for both nations.
South Africa will face Madagascar in November over two legs in the second round of qualifying as they continue their pursuit of a place in the continental tournament.
Algeria will also return to action in November for the second round of the U23 AFCON qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the first-round tie between Eswatini and Malawi.
Eswatini currently hold the advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg, with the second leg scheduled to take place in Eswatini on Tuesday, 6 October.
