TOKELO Rantie missed a penalty as South Africa opened their African Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-1 loss to much-fancied Algeria last night.

The Cherries frontman had a hand in Thuso Phala’s 51st-minute opener but moments later hammered a spot-kick against the bar.

An own goal by Thulani Hlatshwayo and subsequent efforts from Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam Slimani gave Algeria victory in the Group C clash.

Rantie, who scored a penalty in the 8-0 rout at Birmingham in October, was replaced by Bongani Ndulula in the 79th minute when Bafana Bafana trailed 2-1.

South Africa are next in action against Senegal on Friday and defeat could end their tournament early.