South Africa opened their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a deserved 2–1 victory over Angola in an entertaining Group B match at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday evening.

Bafana Bafana made a fast start and were rewarded in the 17th minute when Oswin Appollis struck to give Hugo Broos’ side an early advantage. The winger reacted quickest to a loose clearance inside the penalty area, feinted twice to wrong-foot the defence, and then guided a low, angled finish beyond Hugo Marques.

After taking the lead, South Africa gradually lost control of the contest. Angola grew in confidence and began to dominate possession, posing a consistent threat from set-pieces.

Gelson Dala went close with a header before the Palancas Negras were rewarded in the 34th minute. Fredy’s inswinging free-kick at the near post was cleverly flicked on by Show, whose touch beat Ronwen Williams to level the scores.

The second half saw a clear shift in momentum. Broos made a decisive change by introducing Moremi, and South Africa responded with renewed intensity. The pressure began to tell as Mbokazi rattled the crossbar, while Lyle Foster saw a goal ruled out for offside as Angola struggled to contain the sustained attacks.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 79th minute. Pressing high up the pitch, South Africa won possession before Nkota slipped a pass into Foster’s path. The striker made no mistake, curling a superb right-footed effort into the top corner to restore Bafana Bafana’s lead.

The victory confirms South Africa’s upward trajectory and gives them an important platform as they look to build momentum in a competitive group. (CAFonline.com)

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