Algeria and South Africa have both been unable to break the deadlock, with the first half of their Africa Cup of Nations match finishing goalless this evening.

The two teams struggled to create any chances in the opening stages until Yacine Brahimi saw his attempt saved by Darren Keet.

Midway through the first half Dean Furman came within inches of giving South Africa the lead when his powerful effort from outside the box came crashing off the bar.

Aissa Mandi then almost punished his opponents for some slack defending at the back, but he volleyed his strike high over the bar.

With a couple of minutes of the first half remaining Andile Jali had another chance to give Bafana Bafana the lead, but after working some room inside the box, he saw his close-range attempt blocked by Rais M'Bolhi.