Rafik Saifi’s first match in charge of Algeria U23 ended in a 3-1 defeat by South Africa in Bloemfontein on Thursday, despite the visitors leading at half-time. The Algerians conceded twice within four minutes of the restart before Faiz Abrahams added a late third, while Anis Ouzenadji left the field on a stretcher after suffering an ankle injury.
The match was the first major test for Saifi’s promising side, who are currently in South Africa preparing for the qualifying campaign for the CAN U23 2027. The two teams are meeting twice during Algeria’s training camp, with Sunday’s second friendly already scheduled.
Algeria made the stronger start and went in front shortly before the interval. Yanis Senhadji scored in the 44th minute, giving Saifi’s team a deserved lead after the opening 45 minutes.
That advantage disappeared soon after half-time. Quwan Plaatijes equalised in the 48th minute, and Nhlanhla Gasa completed South Africa’s turnaround by putting the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute.
The quick reversal left Algeria unable to recover. Abrahams then scored in the 72nd minute to complete the home side’s 3-1 victory.
The result was accompanied by a worrying moment for the visitors when Ouzenadji was carried off in the 67th minute. The Troyes left-back, making his first appearance for Algeria U23, was caught by a heavy challenge around his left ankle.
The full extent of Ouzenadji’s injury has yet to be established. His enforced departure is an additional setback for Saifi, who selected a 24-player squad for the training camp.
Algeria will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they face South Africa again on Sunday. The fixture is part of the same preparation camp and will give the new coaching staff another chance to assess the squad.
The two matches are intended to help Saifi and his staff refine their group before Algeria return to competitive action. In November, Algeria will play the second preliminary round of the CAN U23 2027 qualifiers against the winner of the two-legged tie between Malawi and Eswatini.
The U23 team had already held an initial training camp in Algiers, which began on 21 September, before travelling to South Africa. Thursday’s defeat therefore provides Saifi with an early warning and a first set of lessons ahead of Sunday’s rematch and the more important November qualifiers.