Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw with Algeria in their opening Group C match at the African Nations Championship in Uganda on Friday.
Abdennour Belhocini opened the scoring at the Mandela National Stadium after 29 minutes and Thabiso Kutumela levelled for South Africa with his goal on the stroke of half-time.
There was a nervous moment at the end of the game for Molefi Ntseki’s makeshift side as Medhi Mergham went down in the box, but instead of being awarded a penalty, the Algeria attacker was booked for simulation.
Overall Bafana edged the possession with the Fenne Foxes not at their commanding best, following an impressive 3-0 defeat of Uganda in their CHAN opener.
But it was the North Africans who looked lively early on with Abderrahmane Meziane trying his luck after 11 minutes with a first-time volley that was dealt with by Bafana goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu, before a similar effort was blocked minutes later.
And it was ultimately Algeria who scored first as Belhocini reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area to volley past Xulu, just before the half hour mark.
Bafana showed some real determination to fight back and found a first-half equaliser through Kutumela, as he profited from deflected pass from Menzi Masuku following a superb through ball from Malibongwe Khoza.
Both sides created a number of half chances and with the game winding down, Bafana had the chance to steal all three points, but Algeria keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya made a strong save to deny substitute Fortune Makaringe.
Mergham was then booked before Bafana celebrated a point, and will now look ahead to facing Guinea in their next game on Monday.