South Africa opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola in the opening Group B encounter at the Stade de Marrakech.
The match delivered early excitement, a brief Angolan resurgence, and a decisive late strike that secured all three points for Bafana Bafana in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
The game began at a fast pace, with Angola threatening as early as the second minute.
Gelson Dala rose highest in the penalty area to meet a cross, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save to deny the Palancas Negras an early lead.
South Africa responded positively and pushed forward with intent. In the eighth minute, Teboho Mokoena tested the Angolan defence with a long-range strike that was blocked, signaling a tightly contested contest.
Despite continued Angolan pressure — including a well-struck effort from Fredy that was again stopped by Williams — South Africa struck first.
In the 20th minute, Oswin Appollis surged from midfield and fired a powerful shot inside the box to give Bafana Bafana the lead.
Angola remained composed and reorganised effectively, restoring balance to the game. Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Show capitalised on a set-piece situation, finding the net from close range to level the score at 1–1.
The first half ended with both sides creating clear chances in an evenly balanced contest.
South Africa emerged strongly after the break and thought they had regained the lead in the 50th minute when Tshepang Moremi unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The match remained wide open. South Africa hit the post in the 57th minute, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi later tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques with a powerful header.
Patience eventually paid off in the 78th minute. Lyle Foster received the ball just outside the penalty area and drilled a fierce right-footed shot past Marques to restore South Africa’s advantage and seal the victory.
The win earns South Africa three valuable points in Group B, which also includes Egypt and Zimbabwe.
It provides a confidence-boosting start for Bafana Bafana as they begin their AFCON 2025 campaign in what is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s toughest group.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
