South Africa edged out Angola with a 2-1 victory in an absorbing Group B opener, extending Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten run to 12 games (W6, D6).
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
2-1
Match Report
Hugo Broos’ side were eager to lay down a marker as title contenders against an Angola team that had never beaten them at AFCON. With both sides having a point to prove, a frenetic start ensued. Teboho Mokoena’s speculative long-range effort flew narrowly over the bar, while Fredy’s brilliant left-footed volley was pushed away by Ronwen Williams. However, it was South Africa who struck first in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis cut into the box from the right and drilled an unstoppable right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Their lead was looking anything but secure though, as Williams made an unorthodox save to scoop away Gelson Dala’s header after being superbly picked out by Fredy’s corner. It therefore came as little surprise when Angola equalised thanks to Show’s superb improvised sliding finish from Fredy’s free-kick, marking his 50th cap in style and leaving this contest finely poised at HT.
Tshepang Moremi was introduced ahead of the second half for South Africa, and thought he had restored their lead within six minutes of the restart after unleashing an excellent left-footed strike past Hugo Marques. It would have been the 25-year-old’s first goal for his country, but the goal was chalked off, with VAR determining that Lyle Foster had interfered with play from an offside position. Undeterred, Mbekezeli Mbokazi fired a ferocious strike that cannoned off the bar, and Angola were looking rattled.
The Red Devils were not exactly shot shy themselves, with Maestro’s attempt not far away from finding the net. Both sides were pressing forward for a winner, and Foster agonisingly blazed his attempt over the bar from a promising position after being expertly picked out by Moremi. That disappointment was soon erased in emphatic fashion though, as the Burnley frontman curled a delightful curling effort past Marques.
It had not been his finest game by any means, but that moment of quality was enough to settle a keenly-fought contest in Marrakesh. This was an ideal start for Broos’ men ahead of facing seven-time champions Egypt on Boxing Day, while Angola will feel aggrieved to come away empty-handed here. The Red Devils will dust themselves down before taking on Zimbabwe in their next Group B assignment.
Line-ups
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Yaya Sithole, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Sipho Mbule, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Subs: Ricardo Goss, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Chaine, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Elias Mokwana, Thabang Matuludi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Samukelo Kabini, Khulumani Ndamane, Tylon Smith
Angola XI: Hugo Marques, Fredy, Jonathan Buatu, Mata, M'Bala Nzola, Gelson Dala, Show, Tó Carneiro, Maestro, Zito Luvumbo, Gaspar
Subs: Signori Antonio, Neblú, Ary Papel, Mabululu, Núrio Fortuna, Manuel Benson, Milson, Chico Banza, Rui Modesto, Randy Nteka, David Carmo, Mário Balbúrdia, Beni Mukendi, Pedro Bondo, Manuel Keliano