South Africa U-23 held by Algeria after second-half stalemate

South Africa’s Under-23 side were held to a 1-1 draw by Algeria in Bloemfontein on Sunday, having beaten the same opponents 3-1 four days earlier.

The second friendly at Dr Molemela Stadium provided a tougher test for the hosts, with Algeria improving their performance and showing greater competitiveness after their defeat on Wednesday.

The matches formed part of both teams’ preparations for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic qualifiers, which will be held in November.

South Africa created the better opportunities during the first half and came close to opening the scoring when Mfundo Vilakazi’s effort from the edge of the penalty area narrowly missed goalkeeper Yasser Zitouni’s left-hand post.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 34th minute. After Algeria failed to clear a corner, Kutlwano Letlhaku collected the ball on the left, beat Abdelouahab Satta with a twisting run and sent a low delivery across the face of goal.

Mohamed Faiz Belgourai inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Algeria responded almost immediately, equalising two minutes later. Karim Boutera found room on the right and delivered a precise cross towards Ben Ahmed Kohili, who brought it under control with his chest between the South African defenders.

Goalkeeper Kgoleng Ratisani was unable to claim the ball, allowing Kohili to finish into an unguarded net.

The weather made conditions difficult in Bloemfontein, with rain falling heavily at times on the Dr Molemela pitch. The second half was closely contested, with neither side able to create many clear openings.

South Africa came closest to finding a winner when a corner that Algeria had failed to clear reached substitute Faiz Abrahams. The Kaizer Chiefs winger struck through a crowded penalty area, but his shot was cleared off the line.

The draw denied South Africa a second victory in the space of four days, although the two matches gave the team the competitive preparation they were seeking ahead of November’s qualifiers.