South Africa began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a deserved 2–1 victory over Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, setting a strong tone in a competitive Group B.

Match Highlights


  • 17th minute: Winger Oswin Appollis pounced on a loose clearance, deceived the defence with two clever feints, and slotted a low finish past Hugo Marques to give Bafana Bafana the lead.

  • 34th minute: Angola equalised when Fredy’s inswinging free-kick was flicked on by Show at the near post, beating Ronwen Williams.

  • Second half dominance: South Africa regained control after coach Hugo Broos introduced Moremi, whose energy lifted the team.

    • Mbokazi rattled the crossbar.

    • Lyle Foster had a goal disallowed for offside.

  • 79th minute: Foster finally delivered, curling a superb right-footed strike into the top corner after a high press won possession.

Tactical Notes


  • South Africa started aggressively but had to weather Angola’s spell of possession and set-piece threats.

  • Broos’ substitutions proved decisive, injecting pace and creativity in the second half.

  • Angola showed resilience but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Group B Outlook

  • South Africa’s win provides a strong platform in a group that promises tight competition.

  • Angola, despite defeat, demonstrated quality and will remain dangerous in their upcoming fixtures.

This victory underlines South Africa’s intent to make a deep run at AFCON 2025, combining attacking flair with resilience against a tricky opponent.