Mdaka’s second-half changes spark South Africa U23 comeback against Algeria

SA U23 coach Raymond Mdaka’s half-time substitutions transformed the match as his side recovered from a goal down to beat Algeria U23 3-1 in an international friendly at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Thursday.

South Africa trailed at the break after Yanis Senhadji struck in first-half stoppage time, despite the hosts controlling much of the opening period. However, Mdaka introduced two players at half-time and the changes quickly altered the contest.

Quwan Plaatjies equalised soon after the restart before fellow substitute Nhlanhla Gasa put SA ahead. Another second-half replacement, Faiz Abraham, completed the comeback with a late goal from outside the area.

The fixture formed part of Mdaka’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will be held in Egypt in November.

SA will begin the second round of qualifying in November against the winner of the tie between Madagascar and Comoros.

The hosts made the stronger start and moved the ball well, creating several opportunities without finding a way through. Mfundo Vilakazi came closest on two occasions during the first half, while Siviwe Magidigidi also missed a chance that could have given South Africa a more deserved advantage.

Algeria initially offered little threat in attack, but gradually grew into the game. Goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe was forced into action as the visitors began to threaten towards the end of the half.

Against the run of play, Algeria took the lead shortly before the interval. South Africa’s defence was slow to react inside the penalty area, allowing Senhadji to finish and give the visitors an unexpected advantage.

Although Algeria had seen less of the ball for much of the half, they finished it with greater purpose and went into the break ahead.

SA responded with greater urgency after the restart and needed only a short time to restore parity. Vilakazi created the opening for Plaatjies, who was found inside the area and calmly slotted the ball home.

The hosts continued to press and completed the turnaround a few minutes later. Gasa connected well with Mpho Padime’s delivery to score South Africa’s second goal.

Mdaka’s substitutes continued to make the difference. Abraham added the third late in the second half, striking from outside the area to put the result beyond Algeria’s reach.

South Africa will face Algeria again on Sunday, with the second match scheduled to take place at the same venue.