Bafana Bafana's gritty performance earns draw against Algeria in CHAN opener

Bafana Bafana (1) 1 Kutumela 45’

Algeria (1) 1 Belhocini 29’

Bafana Bafana opened their 2025 CHAN Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Algeria at the Namboole Mandela Stadium in Uganda on Friday.

The result leaves South Africa third in Group C after matchday one, with Guinea up next on Monday.

Both sides began cautiously in sweltering conditions, trading early possession without creating clear chances.

Algeria struck first in the 29th minute through winger Abdennour Belhocini. The Constantine man pounced on a poor clearance and unleashed a thunderous volley from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.

The goal sparked Bafana into life. Coach Molefi Ntseki’s men pushed higher up the pitch, matching Algeria’s physicality and intent.

Their reward came on the stroke of half-time. Menzi Masuku’s awkward first touch in the box fell to Thabiso Kutumela, who dropped a defender and slotted coolly into the bottom corner.

Ntseki’s starting XI reflected caution, with six defenders featuring, including Mamelodi Sundowns duo Malibongwe Khoza and Keagan Johannes shielding the backline from defensive midfield.

The plan worked early on, restricting Algeria to one real chance in the opening 25 minutes. Xulu was alert in the 10th minute to block at his near post after the defence switched off at the back stick.

The first half closed level at 1-1 — a fair reflection of an intense and competitive opening 45 minutes.

Algeria came out stronger after the break. They targeted Bafana defender Kwanda Mngomnyama for his lack of pace, forcing South Africa deeper into their own half.

Ntseki responded with changes on 65 minutes. Keagan Dolly and Fortune Makaringe replaced Masuku and Johannes, adding experience and attacking drive.

The substitutions brought fresh energy, but Bafana struggled to carve out clear scoring opportunities.

Algeria kept probing, looking for gaps in a disciplined South African defence.

Xulu remained composed under pressure, organising his backline and dealing well with the Desert Foxes’ aerial threat.

In the end, both teams settled for a point in a match high on effort but short on decisive moments.

For Bafana, the draw is a solid platform in a tough group. The challenge now is to turn grit into goals when they face Guinea in a must-win clash on Monday.

With a host of concerns around match fitness and team chemistry still lingering, Ntseki will hope his group can deliver a more positive display against what is expected to be opposition of ‘lesser’ quality.

Bafana have shown glimpses of their potential in Uganda — ahead lies the opportunity to turn those hopes into reality.