Starting rather on the back foot against a well organised Congo side, the SA U/23 side went to the encounter knowing that a victory would position them in the right direction heading into the second leg on Monday in Brazzaville.

David Notoane's men were stunned as against the run of play Love Bissila Mabiala broke the deadlock on the brink of halftime for Congo with a beautiful and neatly converted header much to the frustration of the SA defence.

Congo then held on to that 1-0 lead going into halftime as the home fans continued to cheer the South African side.

Notoane's halftime talk must have been spurred his charges as they came back from halftime guns blazing with Kgaogelo Chauke, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Mduduzi Shabalala being brought on in the second half.

The changes proved to be a wise decision from Notoane as Shabalala and Thapelo Maseko combined in the 69th minute of the encounter for the equaliser and South Africa were once more on the front foot.

With the match being more open after South Africa equalised, the home team created numerous chances to seal the victory however, lack of composure in front of goal was the ultimate result in Congo's penalty box.

In his post match interview Notoane said, "It was a very difficult match especially physically and mentally for our boys however, I am glad we didn't lose so we will take this draw and build from it going into the second leg. I am disappointed at how we conceded that goal but equally happy on how we came back in the second half, going to the second leg in Brazzaville we just need to be clinical in front of goal."

Kick-Off at the Massamba-Debat Stadium on Monday is at 18:00.