A master class second half performance saw Algeria come from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-1 in a high tempo Group C encounter.

Bafana Bafana had themselves to blame in a game they created many chances, including a penalty but squandered all except the goal by Phala.

And when the North Africans responded they were ruthless in front of goal.

Hlatshwayo own goal brought the North Africans back on level pegging before Ghoulam slammed in the lead with a thunderous strike from his cultured left foot.

Slimani put the icing on the cake for Algeria but had Keet to thank for his howler.

The result was a bit cruel for the determined but inexpeirienced South African side who had gone many games unbeaten prior to this match and were responsible for kicking out defending champions, Nigeria, in the qualifiers.

It was a game that promised much and delivered same especially in the second half.

After a barren first, the supporters had something to cheer in the second and it was a well struck goal by Phala that set the stadium alive in the 51st minute.

A great build-up it was from the Bafana Bafana side with a cheeky back heel that set Phala up for that goal.

The South Africans had many other opporutunities to bury the game early on but they didn't.

They had a penalty after a reckless challenge in the 18 yard box but Bournemouth's Ranti rattled the ball off the cross bar.

He was destined to rue that missed opportunity and he did in a rather cruel manner.

The Algerians came back strongly and were aided by an own goal in the 67th minute.

Napoli's Ghoulam raced down the left flank and fired a bullet on his left foot which beat Keet fair and square for the Algerians to take the lead.

Keet made a howler from a Slimani shot in the 83rd minute which condemned the South Africans to a humiliating 3-1 defeat.

The Bafana Bafana now occupy bottom of Group C. With that emphatic victory Algeria occupy the top followed by Senegal who also posted a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the Group's opening game.

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Ivory Coast referee brings an end to proceedings. Coach Shakes Mashaba looks gutted. The score line is no reflection of South African challenge. But who cares? South Africa have been taught a lesson they know too well, missed chances will not go unpunished in this goup of death.

90' Fast paced game even in dying minutes but Algeria defence look hard to disable.

88' Masango comes on for Bafana Bafana and replaces Vilakazi. South Africa must know they are finished as chances dry up.

82' Belfodi slips ball to Algeria's Slimani inside the box. He finishes off Bafana Bafana after he slots the ball narrowly past Keet. Goalkeeper will feel he could have done better as the bbrushes through is hands.

Ndulula comes on to the field to replace Rantie, who will be mulling over his game-changing penalty miss. Meanwhile, Halliche is back on the pitch for Algeria after receiving treatment.

72' Ghoulam fires a blast of a ot into the top near post after a ball drops to him at the edge of the area. He dribbled a defender and closes on Keet. No chance. Too fast too hard. The Desert Warriors are up.

68' Hlatshwayo heads the ball backwards to beat his own keeper Keet, after a teasing cross into the box. Itis an equaliser agains the run of play

65' South Africa's own misses is keeping the score line decent. Befoldi comes on for Mahrez.

60' Great save from Keet denies Algeria an equaliser. Slimani tried to steal a  back heel into the net but it was pushed out for a rebound which Keet once again reflexively palms out to hit the bar.

52' Penalty for South Africa as a player is brought down inside the box. Penalty missed

51' It is a goal!!!! goalkeeper Rais is beaten!!! Nice back flick inside the box finds two on rushing South Africans. One takes the back pass and releases the ball to  Phala  who fires into the net at close range. It is a first goal from a lovely build up.

47' Algeria's Berahmi turns out a defender darts into a Bafana defence wall. Dispossessed. Algeria know they have to respect Bafana Bafana. Algeria defender Mandi slides in to block a whipped low cross across the goal.

Second Half resumes

South Africans have served the Algerians good football after soaking some good 25minutes pressure from the North Africans. But it is goaless at half time.

Half Time Algeria 0- 0 South Africa

42'  Wow. Niced chance again inside the box as Jali rushes in unmarked to pick a pass on the left close to the goal post. But Algeria keeper spreads himself to block a shot at very close range. Very good turn by  Jali after a nice pass inside the box. He is not quick enough to shoot facing the keeper and his own teamate crowds him out as he also looks to get an attempt.

36' Bafana Bafana really grounding Algeria's attack with quick pressing.  Neither side has been able to get a foot on the ball to control possession for meaningful period of the match, which has made clear-cut opportunities thin on the ground.

28' South Africa  will feel settled after signalling the Algeria with threats at goal An injury forces an early substitution for South Africa. Defender Rivaldo Coetzee is off. Siyabonga Nhlapo is on

25' Darren Keet will be happy to pluck the ball this easily if Algeria are going to keep hitting freekicks straight into his hands. More than three of such freekicks have not tested Keet.

23' Great chance after South Africa captain and midfielder Dean Furman rattles the cross bar from 25 yards.

18’ Best Bafana Banfana chance. Long direct ball into the box is misjudged by the Algerians. South African attacker looks to get on to it but the angle is closed down by on-rushing goal keeper, Darren Keet.

16'  Marez cross  from the left is plucked out easily again

13' Algeria look promising. South Africa won't be a push over

12' Berahmi freekick fails to test the keeper who grabs it neatly.

9' Bafana Bafana are pinned to their own half by an aggressive Algerian team. Freekick on target is grabbed by the keepe. He didn't even move.

3’ Early test for South Africa’s defense after a corner, two shots are cramped into first 3 minutes

South African are here at the expense of AFCON defending champions, Nigeria. Algeria are here to carry an impressive form from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.