Algeria came from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-1 in the 2015 Arican Cup of Nations encounter at the Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea on Monday evening.
Goals from Islam Slimani, Faouzi Ghoulam and Thulani Hlatshwayo moved the tournaments favorite Algeria top of Group C as South Africa rued missed chances in what was an exciting encounter in Mongomo.
Bafana should’ve been 2-0 up nine minutes into the second-half but Tokelo Rantie missed from the spot.
South Africa though weathered the storm with Darren Keet particularly impressive in commanding his penalty area.
The victory was assured for Algeria when Islam Slimani’s effort slipped through Keet’s hands for the third goal
Meanwhile, in the other game of the group it was a deserved victory for the Teranga Lions, who overcame a slow start to dominate the second half and wasted several chances before securing maximum points.
Both teams missed key strikers with mild malaria ruling out Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan and a calf injury sidelining Senegalese Sadio Mane.
Ghana had much more early possession and took the lead when Andre Ayew calmly converted the penalty while Senegal goalkeeper and captain Bruno Coundoul, who conceded the spot-kick by pulling down Christian Atsu, dived to his left as Ayew struck the ball into the middle of the net.
Just when it looked as though the game was destined for a 1-1 draw, Senegal popped up in stoppage time to score the winner.
AUTHOR : SANDRA OBIRI