One Moment of Magic Saves South Africa as Angola Fall Short

South Africa Finally Start with a Win

South Africa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola in their opening Group B match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakesh, ending a 21-year wait for an opening-game win at the continental finals.

The result did not come easily. Bafana Bafana needed resilience, patience and a moment of individual brilliance to edge past a dangerous Angola side that created enough chances to earn something from the game.

Early Control Brings First Goal

South Africa started with confidence and enjoyed a strong spell of possession in the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis showed excellent footwork inside the box, beating two defenders before guiding a low finish into the bottom corner.

The goal reflected South Africa’s positive start, with Angola forced onto the back foot as they struggled to match the tempo.

Angola Hit Back Before the Break

Angola grew into the contest and found a way back just before halftime. A low free kick from Fredy caused problems in the South African box, and Show reacted quickest to get a decisive touch that steered the ball into the net.

The equaliser shifted the momentum and ensured the match remained finely balanced at the interval.

Drama, VAR and a Crossbar

South Africa thought they had regained the lead early in the second half when substitute Tshepang Moremi finished calmly into the corner, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for offside in the build-up involving Lyle Foster.

Moments later, Mbekezeli Mbokazi came inches away from restoring the lead, smashing a powerful effort from distance against the crossbar as Angola rode their luck.

Foster Delivers the Decisive Moment

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute. Foster collected the ball 20 yards from goal and curled a superb shot into the top corner, producing the defining moment of the match.

The strike underlined South Africa’s efficiency and composure, qualities that saw them through a nervy closing period to secure all three points.

Belgian coach Hugo Broos will be pleased with the result rather than the performance, but the win puts South Africa firmly on course for the knockout stages as Group B continues with Egypt facing Zimbabwe later on Monday.