South Africa opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 2-1 victory over Angola in an entertaining Group B encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday, December 22.

Bafana Bafana started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Oswin Appollis.

The winger reacted sharply to a loose clearance in the box, sold two neat feints to the defence, and guided a low finish beyond Hugo Marques.

After the breakthrough, South Africa gradually ceded control as Angola grew into the contest and began to dominate possession, creating danger from set-pieces.

Angola were rewarded in the 34th minute when Fredy’s inswinging free-kick was flicked on by Show at the near post, beating Ronwen Williams to draw the Palancas Negras level.

The second half belonged largely to South Africa.

Coach Hugo Broos’ introduction of Moremi injected energy, and sustained pressure followed. Mbokazi struck the crossbar, while Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out for offside.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when Foster curled a superb right-footed effort into the top corner after a high press won possession.

The win gives South Africa a strong platform in a competitive group.