Ruthless Algeria storm back as South Africa pay penalty

South Africa were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as Algeria scored three times in the final 23 minutes to secure a victory that takes them top of Group C.

Following a goalless first 45 minutes, South Africa deservedly took the lead six minutes into the second as Thuso Phala scored after good work from Sibusiso Vilakazi and Tokelo Rantie.

The latter then had the chance to make it two from the penalty spot, after Aissa Mandi brought down Vilakazi, but the Bournemouth striker hit the bar.

Algeria’s route back into the game was fortuitous as Thulani Hlatshwayo headed into his own net from Yacine Brahimi's cross, but they took full advantage of their good fortune.

With indecision suddenly setting in to the Bafana Bafana’s play full-back Faouzi Ghoulam smashed Algeria in front, before Islam Slimani profited from some woeful goalkeeping from Darren Keet to make it three.

8’ – CHANCE FOR ALGERIA – Sofiane Feghouli whips in a free kick that Carl Medjani meets with a flicked header that Darren Keet gathers at the second attempt.

23’ – SOUTH AFRICA HIT THE BAR – Good work from Tokelo Rantie, who squares the ball for Furman to smack a dipping shot against the woodwork from 20 yards.

28’ – OUCH – Bafana Bafana defender, Rivaldo Coetzee, has to be stretchered off having gone down on halfway. Siyabonga Nhlapo comes on.

43’ – CHANCES FOR SOUTH AFRICA – M’Bohli is called into action twice in a minute to foil Vilakazi and Jali. The keeper comes off his line to rob the ball from the former before standing tall to deny the latter from six yards.

51' – GOAL FOR SOUTH AFRICA – A lovely move from the men in yellow ends with a back-heel from Rantie to Vilakazi, who in turn squares for Phala to side-foot home.

54' – PENALTY FOR SOUTH AFRICA – Vilakuzi is brought crashing to the ground by Mandi inside the penalty area. Referee Noumandiez Doue points to the spot, but Rantie smacks his spot kick against the bar.

67' – GOAL FOR ALGERIA! – Hlatshwayo gifts Algeria a route back into the game as he glances Brahimi's cross past his own keeper.

72' – GOAL FOR ALGERIA – Ghoulam strides forward, lashes a shot past Keet and suddenly Algeria are in front.

83' – SLIMANI SEALS IT – Algeria's big guns had not fired but Slimani is gifted his first goal of the tournament as Keet allows the ball to squirm under him.

Algeria's stunning comeback means they won their opening AFCON group game for the first time since they won the tournament in 1990. Omen?

Defeat was South Africa's sixth in their last 13 games, having drawn the same number and won just one.

Much for Algeria to ponder. Their late, late show in Mongomo has papered over the cracks, but for 67 minutes those cracks were laid bare by an energetic and organised South Africa side. Algeria's star turns such as Feghouli or Brahimi, or even goalscorer Slimani did very little and found it difficult to break down their resolute opponents. At times Algeria gave the impression they believed all they had to do to win was turn. Importantly for the Desert Warriors, they got the win and now top Group C. They will need to be much better if they are to qualify though.

Faouzi Ghoulam (Algeria): Was a constant threat down Algeria's left, and unlike some of his team-mates did not stop running. He created the chance that led to his goal all on his own and finished it expertly.

ALGERIA: M'Bohli 7, Ghoulam 8, Mandi 6, Halliche 6, Medjani 5, Lacen 5, Bentaleb 4, Mahrez 5, Feghouli 4, Brahimi 5, Slimani 6 Subs: Belfodil 6, Taider 6, Soudani 6

SOUTH AFRICA: Keet 5, Ngcongca 6, Hlatshwayo 6, Coetzee 6, Matlaba 7, Furman 7, Phala 7, Manyisa 6, Jali 7, Vilakazi 7, Rantie 7 Sub: Nhlapo 6, Ndulula 6, Masango 5