South Africa launched their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign on a positive note, edging Angola 2–1 in an absorbing Group B encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday evening.
Bafana Bafana set the tone early, showing purpose and intensity from the opening exchanges, and their bright start was rewarded in the 17th minute.
Oswin Appollis reacted sharply to a loose clearance inside the box, sold two quick feints to wrong-foot the Angolan defence and calmly guided a low, angled finish beyond goalkeeper Hugo Marques to hand Hugo Broos’ side the lead.
After the opening goal, South Africa struggled to maintain their early dominance as Angola gradually wrestled control of possession.
The Palancas Negras grew in confidence, pushing higher up the pitch and posing increasing danger, particularly from set-pieces.
Gelson Dala came close to drawing Angola level with a header before the pressure finally told in the 34th minute.
Fredy delivered a dangerous inswinging free-kick to the near post, where Show produced a deft flick-on that beat Ronwen Williams and restored parity, shifting the momentum firmly in Angola’s favour heading into the break.
The second half marked a turning point for South Africa.
Broos made a decisive tactical adjustment by introducing Moremi, and Bafana Bafana emerged with renewed urgency and sharper movement.
The change injected fresh energy into their play, pinning Angola deeper and forcing mistakes under sustained pressure.
South Africa came agonisingly close to regaining the lead when Mbokazi rattled the crossbar, while Lyle Foster saw his effort chalked off for offside as Angola struggled to cope with the waves of attacks.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 79th minute and was a reward for South Africa’s persistence.
Pressing aggressively high up the pitch, Bafana Bafana won back possession before Nkota threaded a clever pass into Foster’s path.
The striker showed composure and class, curling a sublime right-footed strike into the top corner to spark celebrations among the South African faithful.
Angola pushed forward in search of a late response, but South Africa managed the closing stages with discipline and resilience to see out the victory.
The result underlines South Africa’s upward trajectory under Broos and provides an important platform as they seek to build momentum in a highly competitive Group B, while Angola will rue missed opportunities in a contest that swung on fine margins.
