Bafana Bafana face a challenging encounter against hosts Algeria in the inaugural FIFA Series at the Nelson Mandela Stadium with retribution on their minds after a disappointing draw against Andorra.
Similarly, the Fennec Foxes, are on a mission to redeem themselves after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) display.
Algeria bowed out of the AFCON group stages without registering a win, while Bafana impressively clinched a bronze medal at the continental showpiece.
Hollywoodbets Sports looks at four players to watch below:
Rayan Aït-Nouri
Despite being just 22 years old, Aït-Nouri has managed to establish himself as one of the best defenders not only for Algeria but in the English Premier League as well where he turns out for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The youngster has fitted in well in Algeria’s back four where he plays alongside experienced campaigners Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Youcef Atal.
The player is not only crucial to protecting his goal line but is also very dangerous when he pushes upfront to launch dangerous attacks.
It’s no surprise that the left-back has been linked with possible moves to Liverpool and Manchester United.
Rayan Ait-Nouri v Coventry (H) pic.twitter.com/PLdxcd3tpG
— ~ (@d_ftbl) March 17, 2024
Farès Chaïbi
After his national team debut a year ago, Chaïbi has not looked back since.
The versatile midfielder is now an integral part of the Fennec Foxes.
The 21-year-old cracked the nod for Algeria’s Afcon squad, but his maiden appearance at the continental showpiece was not the one the youngster would’ve envisaged.
The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder will play a pivotal role in Algeria’s mission to record a second successive victory under new coach Petkovic.
Chaïbi is a player that Bafana will need to keep a close eye on as he will be aiming to leave a good impression on Algeria’s new head coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Baghdad Bounedjah
In the absence of Slimani, Mahrez and the last-minute withdrawal of Anime Gouiri, Bounedjah is the most potent goal-poacher in the Algerian team.
The Qatar-based forward is ranked fifth in the list of Algeria’s leading scorers with 28 goals behind Mahrez who is on 31.
The 32-year-old Al-Sadd player, Bounedjah, was substituted early in the second half against Bolivia without adding to his goal tally.
Bounedjah will want to give his best against South Africa and leave a good impression on the new boss.
Houssem Aouar
The AS Roma midfielder, Aouar, missed the clash against Bolivia due to sickness but is said to be fit to play against Bafana.
Aouar is expected to have an interesting battle with SA’s players such as Teboho Mokoena in the centre of the park.
The player has already been quoted by media describing Bafana as a stubborn opponent who plays beautiful football.
After switching allegiance from France to Algeria last year, the central midfielder will be aiming to impress the new coach.
