Topics: AFCON 2015, CAN 2015, South Africa, Algeria
Best-placed team in Africa Algeria came from behind to beat South Africa who did not make the best of their chances on the day. How different might it have been if Ranti had scored his penalty?

After looking like they might secure a sensational win against the highly-fancied Algerians, South Africa undid their own good work in the second half by missing a penalty and failing to defend as diligently as they had done in the first period of the game.

After great work by Phala to give Bafana Bafana the lead just after the second half restart, the referee awarded them a penalty and a glorious chance to extend their lead. Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie stepped up confidently but could not direct his effort on target, sending his shot crashing against the bar.

A pity: Watch as Rantie misses South Africa's penalty 

South Africa's penalty miss was a wake up call for the formidable Algerians, who rallied and put in the performance of their lives to net 3 goals in the space of 16 minutes.



By the time Algeria's third goal went in, Bafana were a deflated group of 11 players on the field just going through the motions and waiting for the final whistle. Thoughts of what might have been had they kept their fortitude to win the game will certainly stay with the Bafana players for some time.