Bafana, Algeria in stalemate
South Africa continued their winless streak when they played to a 0-0 draw with North Africans Algeria at the Orlando Stadium in an international friendly, which both sides used as a warm-up match for the Africa Nations Cup.
Bafana v Algeria Text Commentary Highlights
South Africa had their first chance at goal when they strung together a few enterprising passes in the Algerian danger area, but Bernard Parker’s final shot aimless went off target from outside the box in the 18th minute.
The Algerians had their first opportunity at goal in the 35th minute when Essad Belkalem broke free from his markers and executed a bicycle kick, but his effort went wide off goal.
With six minutes remaining until the end of the first stanza, Bafana Bafana were given an opportunity to go ahead when a wayward Algerian pass found its way to Katlego Mphela, but the Sundowns striker - with only the keeper to beat - could only shoot straight at Adriant Mbolhi.
In the 42nd minute Mphela’s strike partner Bernard Parker had a glorious opportunity to cement his name on the score sheet, but his curling shot from just outside the box was saved again by an alert Mbolhi.
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Five minutes into the second half, the Algerians had a rare opportunity to get in behind the host’s defence when skipper Carl Medjani fed a high ball into the box, but striker Islam Slimani’s sliding effort found the side netting.
In the 65th minute substitute Siphiwe Tshabalala brilliantly chest trapped the ball and unleashed a ferocious volley, which missed the target as it dipped late and went over.
The second half died off with neither side creating clear cut chances. Next up for these teams is the Africa Cup of Nations tournament starting in less than a week’s time.
South Africa 0
Algeria 0
South Africa: Khune, Ngcongca (Gaxa 46’), Matlaba, Khumalo, Sangweni, Dikgacoi, Furman (Letsholonyane 54’), Phala, Serero (Tshabalala 53’), Parker, Mphela (Rantie 61’)
Algeria: Adriant Mbolhi, Mostefa-Sbaa, Belkalem, Mesbah, Slimani (Aoudia 78’), Feghouli (Boudebouz 81’), Bouazza, Medjani (Halliche 58’), Kadir (Soudani 58’), Guedioura (Tedjar 76’), Lemmouchia (Cadamuro 62’)
