SA U23 hope to continue good run against Algeria

South Africa’s Under-23 national team will face Algeria in an upcoming international friendly in Bloemfontein on Sunday, as they continue preparations for the Olympic qualifying campaign. The first encounter between the two sides ended in a 3-1 victory for South Africa on Thursday, but the technical team acknowledges there are still areas that require improvement.

The Algeria friendly provided South African coaches with their first opportunity to observe how the players adapt to international football. Assistant coach Karabo Mogodu highlighted the importance of communication and chemistry among the team, stating that a single mistake can sometimes decide the outcome of the match. He emphasized the need to capitalize on such chances and improve the backline’s teamwork.

Algeria’s fixtures also offer the South African squad additional time to form combinations, a challenge they face when playing primarily for their respective clubs throughout the season. SAU-23 player Dhakier Lee noted that these friendlies help the players bond and form the necessary connections to perform effectively together. The victory in the first game against Algeria was a significant morale booster for the team.

The second meeting with Algeria provides the Under-23 team with an additional chance to work on building combinations and reinforcing the technical aspects of their game. The technical team remains focused on addressing any weaknesses and ensuring the players are well-prepared as the Olympic qualifiers approach.