AFCON

Match Preview: South Africa vs Angola – AFCON 2025

49
0

Group B kicks off with a Southern African derby at the Stade de Marrakech. South Africa arrive with momentum after their bronze medal in AFCON 2023, while Angola seek to build on their quarter-final pedigree and upset their regional rivals.

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total meetings: 19 across all competitions.
  • South Africa wins: 9
  • Draws: 6
  • Angola wins: 4
  • Recent form: Angola stunned South Africa 3–0 in the 2025 COSAFA Cup, but Bafana Bafana hold the historical edge.

Previous AFCON Performances

South Africa (Bafana Bafana):

  • Best finish: Champions (1996, on home soil).
  • Other highlights: Runners-up (1998), third place (2000, 2023).
  • Recent resurgence: Bronze medal at AFCON 2023, beating DR Congo in the third-place playoff.
  • Consistency: After years of group-stage struggles, Hugo Broos has rebuilt the side into a contender.

Angola (Palancas Negras):

  • Best finish: Quarter-finals (2008, 2010, 2023).
  • Debut: 1996.
  • Hosted: AFCON 2010.
  • Identity: Known for resilience and upsetting stronger teams.

Players to Watch

South Africa:

  • Ronwen Williams (GK, Mamelodi Sundowns): Hero of AFCON 2023 with four penalty saves vs Cape Verde.
  • Lyle Foster (Burnley striker): Premier League forward, key attacking outlet.
  • Khuliso Mudau (RB, Sundowns): Defensive anchor with attacking thrust.

Angola:

  • Gelson Dala (forward, Al-Wakrah): Clinical finisher, Angola’s main attacking threat.
  • Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari winger): Serie A pace and flair, dangerous on the counter.
  • Mabululu (striker, Al-Ittihad Alexandria): Physical presence up front.
  • David Carmo (defender, Real Oviedo): Organizes the backline.

Comparison Table

CategorySouth AfricaAngola
AFCON Titles1 (1996)0
Best FinishChampions (1996)Quarter-finals (2008, 2010, 2023)
Head-to-Head Record9 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses4 wins, 6 draws, 9 losses
Recent HighlightBronze medal (2023)Quarter-final (2023)
Star PlayersWilliams, Foster, MudauDala, Luvumbo, Mabululu

Outlook

  • South Africa: Stronger squad depth, organized under Hugo Broos, and buoyed by their 2023 bronze medal.
  • Angola: Dangerous counter-attacking side with flair from Luvumbo and finishing from Dala.
  • Prediction: South Africa’s structure and tournament pedigree give them the edge, but Angola’s unpredictability makes this a potential upset.

Kelvin Musako

Kelvin Musako

Leave a Reply