South Africa got their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON campaign off to a winning start after edging Angola 2-1 in an entertaining Group B opener, extending Bafana Bafana's unbeaten run to 12 matches across all competitions.
With AFCON having kicked off just a day earlier, hosts Morocco opening the tournament with a 2-0 win over Comoros, courtesy of Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz's opening strike , both sides were eager to make an early statement in Marrakesh. Hugo Broos' men, labelled quiet contenders, faced an Angola side still searching for a first-ever AFCON win over South Africa.
The game began at a frantic pace. Teboho Mokoena tested his luck from distance early on, while at the other end Fredy's acrobatic left-footed volley forced a sharp save from Ronwen Williams. South Africa gradually settled and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis drove into the box from the right and rifled a low shot into the corner to hand Bafana Bafana the lead.
