The South African U23 national side drew 1-1 with Algeria in their second international friendly at the Dr Petrus Molemele Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts made six changes from the side that started in the 3-1 win in the first match on Thursday including in goals with Kgoleng Ratisani coming on for Fletcher Smythe-Lowe. Mfundo Vilakazi and Tylon Smith were also among the changes. It was Amagluglug with the lion’s share of possession in the opening half that didn’t produce a lot of gaol scoring opportunities.
A first real shot at goal came for South Africa in the 17th minute from a Neo Rapoo set-piece which landed safely in the goalkeeper’s hands. Kutlwano Letlhaku who was a thorn for the Algeria defense set-up Vilakazi in the 28th minute, the latter’s thunder bolt strike from outside the box missed the target slightly.
Three minutes after the half hour mark it was Letlhaku again coming from the left to force Faiz Belgourai to score in his own net. The visitors responded three minutes later trough Benahmed Kohli who slid the ball underneath Ratisani’s body to keep the score level at the break.
Both sides made a change each at the start of the second half with Enrique Erasmus replacing Ratisani in goals and Yanis coming on for Kohli for Algeria. Algeria fired the first shot in the first whistle in the stanza through Karim Boutera but he was denied by the crossbar.
South Africa came close to regaining their league a minute later from Rapoo free-kick but Siviwe Nkwali headed off target. There was another golden opportunity to score for Amagluglug through Obrigado but the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder’s attempt was blocked. The hosts continued to pile pressure in pursuit of a second goal and attempts from Rapoo and Asekho Tiwani were also denied.
The friendlies were part of preparations for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, a tournament that also serves as a 2028 LA Olympic Games qualifier.