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

Bafana Bafana started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Oswin Appollis. The winger reacted sharply to a loose clearance inside the box, sold two clever feints to wrong-foot the defence, and calmly guided a low, angled finish past Hugo Marques.

After the early breakthrough, South Africa gradually ceded control as Angola grew into the contest. The Palancas Negras enjoyed more of the ball and looked increasingly dangerous, particularly from set-pieces.

Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute after Gelson Dala had already gone close with a header. Fredy’s inswinging free-kick at the near post was flicked on by Show, and his subtle touch beat Ronwen Williams to draw Angola level.

The second half brought a clear shift in momentum following a tactical tweak from coach Hugo Broos, who introduced Moremi. South Africa responded with greater intensity, with Mbokazi crashing a fierce effort against the crossbar and Lyle Foster seeing a goal ruled out for offside as Angola struggled to cope.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. High pressing forced a turnover, and Nkota slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Foster’s path. The striker kept his composure, curling a sublime right-footed finish into the top corner to restore South Africa’s lead.

The victory underlines South Africa’s growing confidence and provides a strong platform as Bafana Bafana look to build momentum in a fiercely competitive Group B.