Friday August 8, 2025
- Mandela National stadium, Namboole 5pm
South Africa enters the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship fray with a duel against Algeria in group C at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
The Algerians already tasted the tournament with a 3-0 win over co-hosts Uganda and victory against Bafana Bafana will all but assure them of a place in the knock out phases.
The Desert Foxes coach Madjid Bougherra has set eyes on maximum points revealing every match is in a final.
“Every match has its own specificity and must be approached like a final,” said Bougherra.
“We have a focused, disciplined, and motivated team with great group spirit. I believe everything is in place to represent the country in the best way,” said Bougherra.
Despite their form, Bougherra remains cautious, aware of the threat posed by the unpredictable South Africans.
“We know South Africa is a good team that can change strategies quickly. We’ll treat this match like a final. We’re ready and will do everything possible to reach the next round.”
Molefi Ntseki the Bafana Bafana tactician is aware of how good the Fennecs are but says his side is ready to manage and control the game.
“Algeria has proven to be a good team, with rhythm and organisation. We’ll try to manage the early minutes well — that will help us control the game. Our focus will be on key moments and playing our game,” Ntseki said.
“We are in a tough group, but we came to represent our country with pride and to compete at the highest level.”
With Uganda taking on Algeria later on the day, a win for either of the two makes the group more intriguing.
