South Africa U-23 held by Algeria after missed chances in second friendly

South Africa U-23 were held to a 1-1 draw by Algeria in their second international friendly at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday, despite dominating much of the match.

The result gives the technical team further evidence of the areas that need attention before South Africa’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifier against Madagascar in November. Finishing in particular will be a concern after the hosts failed to make their control of the game count.

The two matches against Algeria provided an early opportunity to assess how the players are adapting to international football, while also allowing them to build combinations and identify weaknesses before the qualifiers.

South Africa had won the first friendly 3-1 on Thursday and were aiming to maintain that momentum. Algeria, however, were determined not to suffer two successive defeats against the same opposition.

Amaglug-glug again controlled the tempo and created the clearer openings during the early stages. Their pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 33rd minute, although it came through an Algeria own goal.

Kutlwano Letlhaku delivered a cross into the penalty area and Faiz Mohamed Belgourai turned the ball into his own net to give South Africa the lead.

The advantage lasted only briefly. Algeria responded immediately when Kohli Benahmed took advantage of an error in the South African defence to equalise.

Tylon Smith was caught ball-watching, allowing Benahmed to capitalise and bring Algeria level against the run of play. The sides went into half-time with the score 1-1.

South Africa continued to dictate proceedings after the interval and had opportunities to restore their advantage, but they were unable to find a way past the Algeria defence.

Quwan Plaatjies, who scored in Thursday’s victory over the same opponents, had South Africa’s best chances of the second half. The striker was unable to convert either opportunity as the hosts’ pressure went unrewarded.

Algeria were content to defend deep, absorb the pressure and look for opportunities to break forward. The visitors also created chances to claim a late winner, but South Africa defended effectively.

Neither side could find another goal, leaving the teams to share the points in the second friendly.