South Africa open AFCON 2025 with hard-fought win over Angola
South Africa began their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note, edging Angola 2-1 in a lively Group B fixture played in Marrakech on Monday to secure their first opening-match victory at the tournament in 21 years.
Hugo Broos’ side showed composure under pressure and were rewarded late on as Lyle Foster struck the decisive goal to seal maximum points.
Bright start rewards Bafana Bafana
South Africa made their mark early and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis finished calmly into the bottom corner to give his side a deserved lead.
Angola gradually settled and began to apply pressure, forcing Ronwen Williams into a smart save to preserve South Africa’s advantage.
Angola respond before the break
The Angolans’ persistence paid off in the 35th minute. Captain Fredy whipped in a dangerous free kick, and Show glanced a header beyond Williams to restore parity before half-time.
South Africa thought they had regained the lead early in the second half through substitute Tshepang Moremi, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi then came close with a long-range effort that struck the crossbar.
South Africa seal victory
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute. A slick team move carved open the Angolan defence, allowing Foster to finish clinically and restore South Africa’s lead.
Angola pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but South Africa remained organised and saw out the closing stages.
The win places South Africa at the top of Group B ahead of their high-profile clash with Egypt on Friday. Angola, meanwhile, will aim to recover when they face Zimbabwe in their next outing.
