Bafana Bafana fought back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against defending champions Algeria in a tightly contested African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C clash at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The Desert Foxes struck first in the 29th minute when Abdennour Iheb Belhocini unleashed a shot from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu. But the South Africans kept their heads up and were rewarded just before half-time when Thabiso Kutumela slotted past Algeria’s Zakaria Bouhalfaya to level the score.

Both sides returned from the break pushing hard for a winner, but neither could find a breakthrough, and the match ended in a draw.

Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki said they knew Algeria would be tough opponents, especially after the North Africans hammered tournament hosts Uganda 3-0 in their opening game on Monday.

“Over the years, the Algerians have always had a football culture that never changes – whether under a foreign or local coach. You always see them sticking to their philosophy, their style of play, and their national football identity. We expected exactly the kind of football they played today,” said Ntseki.

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Malibongwe Khoza’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

South Africa will be back in action on Monday against Guinea at the same venue. Guinea lost 3-0 to Uganda in Friday’s other Group C fixture.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg