CHAN 2024: South Africa holds tournament favorites Algeria to a draw in tense Group C clash

Final Score: Algeria 1-1 South Africa
Venue: Mandela Stadium, Uganda

Tournament favorites Algeria were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by South Africa in a tightly contested Group C encounter at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The result leaves Group C finely poised, with Uganda now in a strong position to challenge for progression.

Algeria, fresh off a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Uganda in their opener, looked to continue their momentum but were stifled by a resilient South African side. The Desert Foxes took the lead in the 29th minute when Abdennour Belhocini fired home a clinical half-volley from outside the box after Aimen Mahious’ initial effort was blocked.

South Africa responded just before halftime, with Thabiso Kutumela slotting home the equalizer in the 45th minute to ensure Bafana Bafana went into the break level. The second half saw both sides push for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock, leaving Algeria atop Group C with four points while South Africa takes their first point.