Kaizer Chiefs Sweating Over South African Star After Injury on International Duty
- Kaizer Chiefs attacker Luke Baartman picked up a knock during South Africa's U23 friendly against Algeria on Sunday
- South Africa's U23 side had to settle for a 1-1 draw after the visitors equalised following a defensive lapse
- Baartman's fitness is now a concern for Kaizer Chiefs ahead of their upcoming club commitments
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Kaizer Chiefs face an anxious wait over the fitness of attacker Luke Baartman after he was forced off during South Africa's Under-23 international friendly against Algeria on Sunday.
The match, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate, left the Amakhosi concerned about Baartman's availability for the club's upcoming fixtures, which are set to get under way from next weekend.
Interim head coach Karabo Mogudi took charge of the squad in the absence of Raymond Mdaka, who remained away due to a family bereavement.
Algeria strike back to share the spoils
South Africa's hosts made six changes to their starting lineup, with Kgoleng Ratisani replacing Tyler Fletcher-Rowe in goal and New England Revolution defender Tylon Smith slotting into central defence.
After a tight, low-tempo opening that produced little action in either penalty area, the breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute. Kutlwano Letlhaku drove down the left flank and pulled a sharp ball across the six-yard box, where Algerian defender Faiz Belgouirai turned it into his own net.
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Algeria's response was swift. A momentary lapse in the South African defensive line allowed Benahmed Kohili to finish from close range and level the score before the break.
Baartman withdrawn on stroke of half-time
The setback for the hosts extended beyond the scoreboard. Moments before the interval, Baartman sustained a knock and was taken off, with Stellenbosch striker Quwan Plaatjies introduced in his place.
Plaatjies came close to making an immediate impact early in the second half but dragged his shot wide after finding himself through on goal ten minutes after the restart.
With seven minutes left on the clock, substitute Faiz Abrahams appeared to have snatched all three points for the hosts, only for his first-time effort to be cleared off the line by the Algerian defence.
Both teams shared the points as they continue building towards the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers. For Kaizer Chiefs, however, the focus now shifts to monitoring Baartman's recovery before competitive action resumes.
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Source: Briefly News
