South Africa U23 held by Algeria as Kaizer Chiefs’ Luke Baartman is forced off

South Africa U23 were held to a 1-1 draw by Algeria U23 in their second international friendly on Sunday, with Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman forced off shortly before half-time.

South Africa made six changes to the side that started their previous match, including in goal, where Kgoleng Ratisani replaced Tyler Fletcher-Rowe. New England Revolution defender Tylon Smith was also brought into the centre of defence.

Karabo Mogudi again took charge of the team, with head coach Raymond Mdaka still absent following a family bereavement. Mdaka was also unavailable for Thursday’s fixture.

Neither side established control during a quiet opening period. South Africa and Algeria both enjoyed spells of possession in midfield but struggled to create clear opportunities in the final third.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 34th minute. Kutlwano Letlhaku produced an impressive run down the left before entering the penalty area and delivering the ball across goal. Algeria defender Faiz Belgouirai got the final touch, turning it into his own net.

South Africa’s advantage lasted only briefly. Benahmed Kohili was left unmarked inside the box and punished the lapse in the home defence by finishing from close range to bring Algeria level.

South Africa then had to make a change on the stroke of half-time. Baartman was withdrawn after appearing to be struggling, with Stellenbosch striker Quwan Plaatjies introduced in his place.

Plaatjies had an opportunity to restore South Africa’s lead 10 minutes after the interval. He moved beyond a challenge inside the area and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his attempt went well wide of the target.

The hosts continued to search for a winner as the match entered its closing stages. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Faiz Abrahams saw his first-time effort stopped on the goal line before Algeria cleared the danger.

That proved to be the final significant chance of the contest, leaving the two teams to share the points as they continued their preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers.