Algeria’s winning run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end on Friday after South Africa fought back to earn a 1-1 draw in their Group C encounter in Kampala, leaving the qualification race wide open.
The Fennecs, buoyed by a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Uganda in their opening match, took the lead in the 29th minute when Abdennour Belhocini seized on a loose ball outside the box and drilled a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
Bafana Bafana, making their first CHAN appearance in 11 years, found their equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
A quick exchange between Menzi Masuku and Neo Maema split the Algerian defence, allowing Thabiso Kutumela to finish clinically from close range.
The second half produced chances for both teams. Algeria’s Abderrahmane Meziane and Aimen Mahious came close, while South Africa’s Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and substitute Matlhari Makarine tested Zakaria Bouhalfaya from distance.
Skipper Ramahlwe Mphahlele marshalled the South African backline effectively to keep the North Africans at bay.
The result ended Algeria’s run of more than 450 minutes without conceding in CHAN group-stage matches.
With four points from two games, they remain in control of their qualification prospects ahead of their final group match against Niger.
South Africa will face Uganda knowing that victory could move them within reach of the quarter-finals.
All four teams in Group C remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage, ensuring a tense finish to the group phase.