South Africa vs Angola: AFCON Opener Brings Big Expectations and Bigger Questions
There’s a lot of attention right now around South Africa versus Angola, and for good reason. This matchup officially opens South Africa’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, and it already feels like a moment that could set the tone for the entire tournament. The game is being played in Marrakech, and while it’s only the first group match, the stakes are already being felt.
South Africa arrive at this AFCON with renewed confidence after something big was achieved earlier this year. A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was secured, marking their first qualification since they hosted the tournament back in 2010. That alone has lifted expectations among fans, even if the coaching staff has tried to keep things grounded. The qualification campaign itself was impressive, as South Africa topped a group that included Nigeria, finishing with 18 points from ten matches. That kind of consistency has been noticed across the continent.
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Momentum was also built in the lead-up to AFCON. A friendly win against Ghana was recorded, with Sipho Mbule scoring the decisive goal. Performances like that have added to the feeling that this South African side is growing into something dangerous, even if they’re not being labeled as outright favorites.
Angola, on the other hand, enter this match with a different kind of motivation. World Cup qualification slipped away after they finished fourth in their qualifying group, but their recent form has shown flashes of promise. In pre-tournament friendlies, a loss to Argentina was followed by a confident win over Zambia, where goals were spread across the squad. That result suggested Angola are capable of causing problems, especially if they’re underestimated.
The group itself makes things even more interesting. Egypt and Zimbabwe are also part of Group B, meaning every point matters. A strong start could ease pressure, while a poor result might complicate the rest of the campaign very quickly.
Lineups have been announced, with South Africa relying on a balanced mix of experience and energy. Ronwen Williams anchors the defense from goal, while players like Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule are expected to control the midfield. Angola respond with physical forwards and creative midfield options, led by familiar names like Gelson Dala and M’Bala Nzola.
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