Algeria friendlies give SA valuable preparation for U23 AFCON qualifiers

South Africa followed up their 3-1 victory in the opening encounter with a 1-1 draw in the second match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday. 

Algeria came into the game determined to avoid another defeat, but Mogudi was pleased with the way his players dealt with the challenge and protected the result.

"We made a number of substitutions, well replacements so to speak, changes in the line up and we did not struggle as much as we thought we'll struggle. I think we held firm, the tactical structure of the team was intact and I was happy that we were very, very competitive throughout the game,” Mogudi said.

“You could see that Algerians brought the physical element, the aggression and we did very well to manage that. Of course tampers flared a little bit here and there but we came to our senses quickly and we still dominated the game. 

“I think we dominated the game when it came to possession, territory, breaking lines, I think we did very well to break lines. So obviously a very, very good exercise, I think obviously the opponent does not want to lose twice in a space of five days so they were always gonna come through and aggress us but held firm."

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The second meeting was a far more physical contest, with the Algerians putting the South Africans under pressure and several players going into the referee’s book. 

Mogudi was encouraged by the response from his side, particularly after making six changes to the team that started the first friendly. 

He believes being able to handle that kind of intensity will be important as they come up against stronger opposition in the Olympic qualification campaign.

"I'm happy that also at a physical level we are able to withstand such aggression because when you go to the continent proper with qualifiers that physicality will be needed,” the coach added.

“There's opponents that know that South Africans are not on the slight side but looking at these boys I think also in the physical sense I think we can battle with them. I was just happy to see how they fought today."