Algeria and South Africa engaged in a riveting 3-3 draw during their ‘Fifa Series’ international friendly held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers, on Tuesday. The match showcased an abundance of attacking football, highlighted by Themba Zwane’s double and a remarkable goal from Yassine Benzia, a contender for the 2024 Puskas Award, who bookended the scoring.
South Africa made significant changes, with only Thabang Monare retained from the starting XI that played against Andorra last Thursday. The visitors nearly seized an early advantage when Oswin Appollis struck the crossbar in the third minute after connecting with Nyiko Mobbie’s cross.
Despite South Africa’s threats, Algeria took the lead in the 22nd minute through Yassine Benzia’s left-footed strike following a counter-attack orchestrated by Yacine Brahimi. However, Bafana Bafana equalized on 34 minutes, as Teboho Mokoena set up Themba Zwane to level the score.
Zwane’s brilliance continued just before halftime as he scored a superb solo goal, giving South Africa a 2-1 lead. The Desert Foxes responded early in the second half, with Brahimi equalizing after a mistake by Ronwen Williams.
South Africa regained the lead in the 66th minute through Elias Mokwana, but Benzia once again leveled the score with an extraordinary volley four minutes later. Despite both teams creating scoring opportunities, the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Looking ahead, Algeria will face Guinea and Uganda, while South Africa will take on Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June.
