Hosts; South Africa has recorded its first African Nations Cup victory with a comfortable victory over Angola.
Both teams sides were involved in 0-0 draws on the opening day of the tournament and Group A remained goalless until 30 minutes into today’s match when Siyabonga Sangweni’s sweet volley broke the deadlock at Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium.
Substitute Lehlohonolo Majoro added Bafana Bafana’s second with a fine individual effort after the break as South Africa moved to the top of the section ahead of tonight’s other Group A contest between Morocco and Cape Verde.
The defeat leaves Angola deep in trouble at the foot of the standings and without a goal after two games. Cape Verde awaits Gustavo Ferrin’s men in the final round of group games.
The match got off to a low-key start, with Angola striker Mateus’ effort that slewed wide of target inside four minutes the only chance of note in the early exchanges.
South Africa slowly asserted themselves however, and took the lead after half an hour when Sangweni capitalised on misplaced header by Angola defender Antonio Lunguinha to drill home a low volley from the left edge of the six-yard box.
The hosts might have made it two a minute before the break as Bernard Parker’s shot following a strong run was saved by Mamona Lama.
Moments later Tokelo Rantie headed onto the roof of the Angola net with the goal gaping after Lama could only tamely pat away Thuso Phala’s cross.
Angola threatened seven minutes into the second half when Mateus crossed for Afonso Guilherme to take a first-time shot but Itumeleng Khune got down well to save.
South Africa midfielder Dean Furman’s low shot was then tipped round the post by Lama as the chances continued to arrive at both ends.
A second goal arrived in the 62nd minute as Majoro – having entered the action just four minutes earlier – latched onto a long punt downfield, ran on and beat a defender before cutting in from the byline and slotting the ball home through the legs of Lama.
Angola pushed for a consolation in what time remained, with Manucho going close with a couple of headers, but they again drew a blank and must now beat Cape Verde in their final game if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage.
