Bafana Bafana started their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria on Friday evening.
African Nations Championship
Result: Algeria 1-1 South Africa
Date: 08 August 2025
Venue: Mandela National Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema was given the captain's armband, resuming the role he had during the qualifiers a few months ago while coach Molefi Ntseki handed starts to Malibongwe Khoza, Kegan Johannes, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Terrence Mashego.
The Algerians looked lively in the early stares and they went clos taking the lead on 11 minutes through Abderrahmane Meziane, whose first-time volley was kept out by goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
The North African side got their reward in the 26th minute when Abdennour Belhocini pounced on a loose just outside the area and unleashed a powerful volley that Xulu was unable to keep out.
Bafana, meanwhile, had to wait until the stroke of halftime to get the equaliser when Menzi Masuku deflected into the path of Thabiso Kutumela, who showed the composure to slot into the far corner.
The second half was a lot more open compared to the first, although Bafana were let down by their decision-making in the final third as they edged the possession statistics.
Coach Molefi Ntseki responded with a double change for the final 25 minutes as Keagan Dolly and Fortune Makaringe replaced Johannes and Masuku as they went in search of the go-ahead goal.
Both sides continued to push for a winner in the closing stages of the second half, but neither were able to secure a clear-cut chance in the final third as the encounter ended all square.
Bafana will be in action on Monday afternoon against Guinea.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Xulu, Mphahlele, Johannes, Mngonyama, Khoza, Mashego, Ndlondlo, Maema, Jooste, Kutumela, Masuku
