Bafana Bafana got their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations off to a losing start following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the African giants, Algeria.
It was the first defeat for coach Shakes Mashaba since he was appointed in August and playing 10 games without a loss.
Bafana took the upper hand in the first half creating a number of scoring opportunities which only lacked finishing. The Algerians on the other hand seemed to be chasing shadows but turned the tables around in the second half responding to Thuso Phala’s 51st minute goal to level matters.
Before Algeria’s equaliser, Bafana were awarded a penalty after an unacceptable foul inside the 18-yard box, but Tokelo Rantie failed to capitalise.
His shot hit the crossbar even though he had managed to send the keeper, Rais Mbolhi the wrong way.
Algeria led the attack soon after that searching for goals and testing Bafana keeper, Darren Keet.
They were finally rewarded after Thulani Hlatshwayo’s own goal in the 67th minute. Algeria found the back of the net again from the boot of Fauzi Ghoulam. As if that was not enough, Algeria scored again in the 83rd minute to confirm a 3-1 victory.
Bafana’s will play their second game on Friday against Senegal.
