Bafana Bafana commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Monday evening in Morocco. This significant win marked the first time South Africa secured an opening AFCON match win since 2004, propelling Hugo Broos' side to the top of Group B. Despite not playing their absolute best, Bafana Bafana delivered just enough to clinch three points and ease their path into the subsequent group matches.

The match began with an early challenge for South Africa, as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial second-minute save from Gelson Dala's header inside the six-yard box. Following this, Angola adopted a deeper defensive line, allowing South Africa to control possession with precise passing and effective movement. Teboho Mokoena fired the first shot from distance in the ninth minute, a powerful curling effort that went slightly wide.

The game gradually opened up, leading to more scoring opportunities. Lyle Foster forced a good save from Hugo Marques with a strong header, and Williams showcased his brilliance again with a stop to deny Fredy in the 15th minute. Bafana Bafana eventually took the lead in the 21st minute through Oswin Appollis, who skillfully bypassed two defenders inside the box before slotting the ball low past Marques. Williams remained vigilant, making a sharp reflex save from a corner on 28 minutes. Angola then enjoyed a period of strong pressure around the half-hour mark, pushing Bafana Bafana back and ultimately equalizing in the 36th minute when Fredy's free-kick was clinically converted by Show.

The second half brought immediate drama. Substitute Tshepang Moremi believed he had scored in the 52nd minute with a clever spin and low finish from Mbule’s through ball, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled the goal out. Mbekezli Mbokazi came close five minutes later, smashing a long-range effort against the crossbar, leaving the Angola keeper beaten. In the 76th minute, Foster sent a glorious chance from outside the 18-yard area over the bar. However, just a minute later, Moremi set him up on the edge of the box, allowing the Burnley striker to curl home the winning goal for a 2-1 lead. Coach Hugo Broos then managed the game strategically with two substitutions, replacing a tiring Appollis with Elias Mokwana and Mbule with Bathusi Aubaas.

Individual player performances varied significantly. Khuliso Mudau was highlighted as one of the best players, receiving a 9/10 for his dedicated effort. Lyle Foster, who scored the winner and was named Man of the Match, earned a 7/10, reminding fans of his English Premier League quality. Oswin Appollis also received a 7/10 for his opening goal but faded in the second half. In contrast, Aubrey Modiba struggled, receiving a 4/10 for chasing shadows and finding it difficult to contain Angola's Luvumbo; he may face replacement by Samukele Kabini against Egypt. Mohau Nkota, rated 3/10, was largely absent from the game and was substituted at halftime, suggesting he might be more effective as an impact player rather than a starter. The South Africa lineup for the match included: Williams (c), Mbokazi, Ngezana, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Mbule, Nkota, Appollis, Foster.