While a 3-1 defeat to Africa's number one team in our opening AFCON 2015 match may on paper suggest a complete run over, this was in fact far from the truth.
For most of the game, Algeria could not keep up with Bafana Bafana's quick passing game and superior technical ability, as evidenced by the build-up to Thuso Phala's opener.
By the time Algeria equalised, the truth is, Bafana should have been up by four to five goals had they been more clinical and composed in the penalty box.
And although Bafana had been unbeaten until last night in Mashaba's tenure, they had won most of those games by one or two goal margins, and that inability to effectively kill a game off caught up with them last night against a top echelon side.
What decision do you think Shakes should take in our next two matches to improve the team's composure?
* Note: This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader via the Get Published section of the website and represents that particular individual's thoughts or views.