Bafana Bafana share spoils with Niger in CHAN to leave their progression chances uncertain ahead of must-win game against Uganda

Bafana Bafana and Niger played to a goalless draw in CHAN's Group C game played on Friday evening in Kampala, Uganda.

South Africa thought they have gotten an early chance to score when referee Bouchra Karboubi adjudged Ridouane Assane to have fouled Harold Majadibodu, but the decision was overturned after VAR intervention.

Just before the break, goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja pulled a massive save to deny Thabiso Kutumela from point-blank range, before captain Mohamed Abdourahman's determined defending saw Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo's goal-bound effort off the line. 

Another VAR review for a possible handball from the skipper saved the Menas.

Niger looked dangerous after the break, but were unlucky with two incidents; they were denied by the upright in the 58th minute. In the 70th minute, Malibongwe Khoza was lucky not to concede a penalty after bringing down Latif in the danger zone.

Eventually, the spoils were shared; the West African nation picked their first point of the campaign, as unbeaten Bafana Bafana made it five from three outings.

Niger have Mahamadou Tandja to thank owing to his heroics. 

He pulled two top saves that kept his team in the game and was hawk-eyed throughout to deny Bafana Bafana. 

For the third match in a row, Neo Maema has underlined his quality by dictating the tempo and initiating all good moves for Bafana Bafana. 

Well, with Mamelodi Sundowns competing domestically and abroad, it is vital to have enough depth and quality, explaining why it might turn out to be a mistake letting Maema leave. 

The big assignment for South Africa will be on Monday when they play co-hosts Uganda in a match that might have a huge impact on the group, on who advances and who gets eliminated.

Niger's journey, unfortunately, comes to an end, but while they will be hoping to end their campaign on a high against Algeria, the Fennecs know a win will guarantee them a place in the last eight. 

As it stands, Uganda top the group with six points, while Bafana Bafana and the North African nation have five each, but the superior goal difference puts the latter second.