Rafik Saifi’s first match in charge of Algeria U23 ended in a 3-1 defeat by South Africa on Thursday, after the visitors lost their half-time lead in a decisive spell after the break.
Yanis Senhadji put Algeria ahead in the 44th minute, giving Saifi’s side the advantage at half-time in Bloemfontein.
However, the match changed quickly after the restart. Quwan Plaatijes equalised in the 48th minute, before Nhlanhla Gasa completed South Africa’s turnaround by putting the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute.
Algeria’s lead had disappeared within four minutes of the game resuming after the equaliser. Faiz Abrahams then added South Africa’s third goal in the 72nd minute to complete the victory.
The defeat came in the first of two friendly matches between the sides during Algeria’s training camp in South Africa. The fixtures form part of the preparation for the qualifying campaign for the CAN U23 2027.
The match was also marred by an injury to Anis Ouzenadji, who was making his first appearance for Algeria U23. The Troyes left-back was carried off on a stretcher in the 67th minute after a heavy challenge on his left ankle.
The full extent of the injury has yet to be established, handing Saifi another concern after he selected a 24-player squad for the camp.
Algeria face South Africa again on Sunday
Algeria will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they face South Africa again on Sunday in the second friendly of the camp.
The two matches are intended to help the new coaching staff assess and refine the squad before the return to competitive action. Algeria will play the second preliminary round of qualifying for the CAN U23 2027 in November.
Their opponents will be the winners of the two-legged tie between Malawi and Eswatini.
The current camp follows an earlier gathering in Algiers, which began on 21 September. For Saifi, Thursday’s result represents an early warning in his first match in charge, but also provides an initial point of reference before Sunday’s rematch and the more important qualifying commitments in November.