ALGERIA vs SOUTH AFRICA | TUESDAY 26 MARCH | STADE NELSON MANDELA | 23:00
Algeria welcomes South Africa as they prepare to go head-to-head this evening. As far as the international calendar goes, the Nelson Mandela Stadium will host the final warm-up friendly for these two respective nations, before returning to the World Cup qualifiers.
To win (90 min)
Algeria 11/20
Draw 24/10
South Africa 54/10
ALGERIA
Few can look past Algeria’s pitiable showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which was recently held in Ivory Coast when they endured a heart-breaking group-stage exit. Despite boasting of a star-studded squad captained by former Manchester City man and Premier League winner Riyad Mahrez, the Algerians picked up just two points from their three matches in Group D, as they were sent packing.
The Desert Warriors’ shameful spell in Ivory Coast was a repeat of their 2021 embarrassment when they floundered in their title defence. Similarly, the two-time champions failed to get out of their group stages after just a solitary point from three matches.
Vladimir Petkovic’s chargers will have home advantage on their side for Tuesday’s tie. They will be looking to pick up right where they left off against Bolivia, as they gather momentum ahead of their return to the World Cup qualifiers. Indeed, they have flown out of the blocks in Group G, and looking ahead to this clash, I expect more of the same from the North African nation.
SOUTH AFRICA
Hugo Broos guided South Africa to an impressive outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The European tactician guided Bafana Bafana to third place, their highest finish in the continental tournament since securing the bronze medal back in 2000.
After finishing Group E in second spot at the African showpiece, the now 58th-ranked nation (according to the latest FIFA World Rankings) would go on to dispatch tournament favourites Morocco in the round-of-16 on January 30, just days before they defeated minnows Cape Verde on penalties in the quarter-finals.
A penalty-shootout defeat against an attack-heavy Nigeria saw South Africa’s dreams for a first AFCON final appearance since 1998 come to an end. Broos’ chargers would go on to beat Congo DR as they secured a podium finish. Since then, the future of the Belgian tactician with the Southern nation has been a hot topic, amidst rumours that he will become the next Tunisia manger.
PREDICTION: Algeria (11/20)
The last meeting between these two nations was in 2015, it ended in a 3-1 victory for Algeria with Thulani Hlatshwayo scoring an own goal as well as strikes from Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam Slimani while the consolation goal for Bafana was scored by Thuso Phala. We look to see if the Desert Foxes can outplay the on-form Southern African side.
With South Africa still hungover from AFCON, I expect the Algerians to take full advantage here. The experience and threat that Yacine Brahimi poses cannot be understated and I expect him to keep South Africa’s second choice keeper busy all night long…
Written by Desh Parthab