An Algerian own goal put South Africa’s Under-23s in front, but the visitors hit back to earn a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein on Sunday. It came three days after South Africa won the first friendly 3-1 at the same ground.
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Head coach Raymond Mdaka was absent for a second match because of a family bereavement, so assistant coach Karabo Mogudi remained in charge. He made six changes, including a new goalkeeper in Kgoleng Ratsani, who took the gloves from Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, and New England Revolution’s Tylon Smith in central defence.
Little happened until the 34th minute, when Kutlwano Letlhaku ran down the left and into the area and sent the ball in, only for Algeria defender Faiz Belgouirai to put it into his own net. Algeria levelled when Benahmed Kohili was left unmarked and scored from close range.
Kaizer Chiefs youngster Luke Baartman made way at half-time, with Stellenbosch forward Quwan Plaatjies replacing him. Plaatjies later got past a defender in the box and found himself alone with the goalkeeper, but his shot sailed well wide.
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Substitute Faiz Abrahams went close to a winner with seven minutes left, but his first-time strike was blocked on the line and cleared. Neither side had another chance of note.
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
