South Africa U23s gain valuable Algeria test before AFCON qualifiers

South Africa’s U23 side have gained important experience ahead of next month’s U23 AFCON qualifiers after completing a two-match series against Algeria.

South Africa won the opening game 3-1 before being held to a 1-1 draw in the second meeting at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Algeria approached the fixture determined to avoid another defeat, while South Africa made six changes to the team that started the first friendly. Assistant coach Karabo Mogudi was pleased with how his players handled the increased intensity and maintained their tactical discipline.

“We made a number of substitutions, well replacements so to speak, changes in the line up and we did not struggle as much as we thought we’ll struggle,” Mogudi said.

“I think we held firm, the tactical structure of the team was intact and I was happy that we were very, very competitive throughout the game.”

The second match developed into a more physical contest, with Algeria applying pressure and several players receiving yellow cards. Mogudi said South Africa responded well to the aggression and continued to control important aspects of the game.

“You could see that Algerians brought the physical element, the aggression and we did very well to manage that,” he added.

“Of course tampers flared a little bit here and there but we came to our senses quickly and we still dominated the game.

“I think we dominated the game when it came to possession, territory, breaking lines, I think we did very well to break lines. So obviously a very, very good exercise, I think obviously the opponent does not want to lose twice in a space of five days so they were always gonna come through and aggress us but held firm.”

Mogudi believes the squad’s ability to compete physically against Algeria will be particularly useful when South Africa face stronger opposition in the Olympic qualification campaign.

He said the players had shown they could withstand the demands of a high-intensity match, despite the changes made to the starting line-up.

“I’m happy that also at a physical level we are able to withstand such aggression because when you go to the continent proper with qualifiers that physicality will be needed,” Mogudi said.

“There’s opponents that know that South Africans are not on the slight side but looking at these boys I think also in the physical sense I think we can battle with them. I was just happy to see how they fought today.”