Bafana battered

Football is not played on paper, unfortunately.

Algeria arrived at the Africa Cup of Nations as favourites but had to prove it on the pitch - first up against an improving Bafana Bafana team that qualified for the tournament unbeaten.

The first half was tense for South Africa, who could not finish their chances - until putting one away after the break.

The Algerians, who caught everyone's eye at the World Cup in Brazil last year, clawed their way back to win the encounter 3-1, ending Shakes Mashaba's 10-game unbeaten run since taking over in August last year.

With the pace of the game picking up, Thuso Phala broke the deadlock in the 51st minute after good passing play from Bafana.

South Africa could have killed the game when they were awarded a penalty soon after Phala scored but Tokelo Rantie hit the woodwork, despite sending Rais Mbolhi the wrong way.

Bafana were finally breached, sadly by one of their own in Thulani Hlatshwayo, who scored an own goal in the 67th minute.

Then Fauzi Ghoulam struck at a tight angle to put Algeria in front for the first time in the match.

This was a match Rantie will find hard to quickly forget. Maybe a draw would have saved him from his blushes, but then Algeria struck again in the 83rd minute through Islam Slimani.

Bafana face Senegal on Friday, with their mental strength perhaps an area that will be tested if they are to remain in the tournament.