History stacks up against Bafana Bafana ahead of AFCON opener against Angola
Bafana Bafana will get their Africa Cup of Nations campaign underway with a clash against Angola in Marrakech on Monday evening.
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South Africans won’t like Bafana Bafana’s recent record against Angola as the two teams prepare to face each other in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.
Many have tipped Hugo Broos’ men to overcome Monday’s test and go on to lift the tournament, but a closer look at South Africa’s head-to-head record against Angola suggests the task may be far tougher than some expect.
Bafana Bafana last beat Angola ten years ago in a World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Since then, the sides have met six times, with the Palancas Negras winning three encounters, while the other three ended in draws – a run that underlines Angola’s growing comfort when facing South Africa.
Encouragingly for Broos’ team, Angola’s recent victories came in the COSAFA Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN), tournaments traditionally used to blood fringe players rather than full-strength squads. Those results, while still relevant, may not fully reflect the balance between the two teams at senior international level.
However, Angola arrive at the AFCON with confidence of their own, having shown steady improvement over the past few years and developed a reputation as a disciplined, well-organised side capable of frustrating more fancied opponents. Their ability to remain compact and strike on the counter has often troubled Bafana Bafana in recent meetings.
Bafana Bafana will also head into the tournament with a sizeable target painted on their backs after an impressive year that saw them qualify for the World Cup and establish themselves as one of the continent’s most consistent sides. Excluding COSAFA Cup and CHAN fixtures, Broos’ team are currently on a 26-match unbeaten run, a sequence that has elevated expectations at home while ensuring opponents view South Africa as a scalp worth claiming.
For South Africa, Monday’s clash represents an immediate test of Broos’ belief that this group has matured into genuine contenders. A positive result would not only banish an uncomfortable recent history against Angola, but also set the tone for a tournament in which expectations are higher than they have been in years.
Kick off for Monday's game at the Stade de Marrakech is at 7pm.
IOL Sport