Algeria and South Africa level at the break in CHAN 2024 clash

Algeria and South Africa went into the half-time interval locked at 1-1 in their CHAN 2024 group-stage encounter at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday afternoon.

Looking to build on their dominant opening win over Uganda, Algeria started with confidence and controlled much of the early possession.

The Fennecs, buoyed by their emphatic start to the tournament, pressed high and sought to unsettle the South African defence.

Their breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Abdennour Belhocini found space inside the box and clinically finished to put Algeria ahead.

The goal capped a spell of sustained pressure, with the North Africans appearing well on course for a second straight victory.

However, South Africa refused to be overawed. Gradually working their way into the match, they began to threaten on the counter-attack, exploiting spaces left behind by Algeria’s advanced full-backs.

Their persistence paid off just before the interval when Thabiso Kutumela latched onto a well-timed pass and slotted home the equaliser.

Kutumela’s strike, coming in the closing moments of the first half, not only brought the scores level but also shifted the momentum ahead of the restart.

Algeria, who had looked in control, suddenly found themselves being tested by a South African side growing in confidence.

The match so far has been marked by a blend of physical duels and quick transitional play, with both teams creating chances to tip the balance in their favour.

Algeria’s attack, led by the lively Belhocini, has looked dangerous whenever given space, while South Africa’s resilience and ability to capitalise on key moments have kept them firmly in contention.

With the score tied at 1-1, the second half promises to be a tightly contested battle.

Algeria will aim to reassert their dominance and push for the win that would seal back-to-back group victories, while South Africa will be eager to complete a comeback and claim a statement result against one of the tournament’s favourites.

Both sides know the importance of this fixture in shaping their CHAN 2024 campaigns — and with the match finely balanced, the outcome remains wide open.