Niger frustrates South Africa to keep Group C on a knife edge
South Africa were left to rue missed opportunities and VAR drama after being held to a goalless draw by Niger in their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C clash in Kampala on Friday night.
The result at the Nelson Mandela Stadium means Bafana Bafana remain on five points, level with Algeria and just one behind leaders Uganda, with all three sides still fighting for a place in the quarter-finals.
VAR denies South Africa twice
The evening’s biggest talking points came in the first half when South Africa were denied two penalties after lengthy video reviews.
In the 18th minute, Moroccan referee Bouchra Kerboubi initially pointed to the spot for a handball inside the Niger box.
However, after reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, she overturned her decision.
As the half drew to a close, South Africa appealed again for a penalty during stoppage time.
This time too, after a VAR consultation, the referee waved play on — leaving South Africa frustrated and their fans incensed.
Despite controlling possession and creating the clearer chances, Murfy Ntseki’s side found Niger’s defence, marshalled with resilience by coach Harouna Doula’s men, impossible to break down.
Niger’s improved resilience
For Niger, who came into the match on the back of two defeats and without a point, the result represented a measure of pride.
Their defensive organisation stood in stark contrast to earlier group performances, as they repeatedly stifled South Africa’s attempts in the final third.
While chances of qualification were already gone, Doula’s team showed determination to make their mark on the competition, frustrating a side with quarterfinal ambitions.
Substitutions bring no breakthrough
The second half followed a similar pattern, with South Africa dominating possession but lacking the cutting edge to capitalise.
Ntseki introduced fresh legs in attack to try and force a breakthrough, while Doula countered with changes aimed at bolstering Niger’s defence and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Neither approach paid dividends. South Africa’s forwards struggled with their finishing, while Niger’s rare forays forward never truly troubled the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper.
Group C wide open
The goalless stalemate has left Group C finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures. Uganda sit top on six points, despite not playing in this round.
South Africa and Algeria are level on five points, with Algeria ahead on goal difference, while Niger collected their first point but remain bottom alongside eliminated Guinea.
The permutations are clear: South Africa must now beat hosts Uganda in their final match to be certain of qualification.
Algeria, meanwhile, require only a draw against already-eliminated Niger to advance.
A dramatic finale awaits
With three sides still vying for two quarterfinal places, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to Group C.
For South Africa, the draw against Niger was a missed opportunity, but their fate is still in their hands.
As Ntseki summed up afterwards, his team “must be clinical” when they face Uganda in what promises to be one of the most decisive fixtures of the tournament so far.