South Africa and Zambia made contrasting but equally significant starts to their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaigns with hard-earned results on Monday night.
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South Africa 2–1 Angola
South Africa opened their Group B campaign with a deserved 2–1 victory over Angola in an entertaining encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Bafana Bafana began on the front foot and took an early lead in the 17th minute through Oswin Appollis.
The winger reacted sharply to a loose clearance inside the box, showed composure with two clever feints, and guided a low finish past goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
After the breakthrough, South Africa struggled to maintain control as Angola grew in confidence.
The Palancas Negras dominated possession and threatened from set-pieces, with Gelson Dala heading narrowly wide before the equaliser arrived in the 34th minute.
Fredy’s inswinging free-kick was deftly flicked on by Show at the near post, beating Ronwen Williams to restore parity.
The second half brought renewed urgency from Hugo Broos’ side following the introduction of Moremi. South Africa increased the tempo and pinned Angola back, with Mbokazi striking the crossbar and Lyle Foster seeing a goal ruled out for offside.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute. High pressing forced a turnover, Nkota slid a precise pass into Foster’s path, and the striker produced a superb curling finish into the top corner to seal the win.
The victory underlined South Africa’s growing confidence and provided a strong platform in a competitive group.
Mali 1–1 Zambia
Scorers: Lassine Sinayoko (61’) – Patson Daka (90+2’)
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a dramatic 1–1 draw for Zambia against Mali in a tense Group A clash.
Mali dominated large periods of the contest and looked set for victory after taking the lead shortly after the hour mark.
The Eagles controlled possession from the outset, with Mamadou Sangaré and Lassine Sinayoko driving their attacking play, while El Bilal Touré’s movement consistently troubled Zambia’s defence.
Despite Mali’s superiority, clear-cut chances were scarce, largely due to the heroics of Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
His most crucial intervention came when he saved a penalty from Touré, keeping Zambia in contention.
Mali eventually broke through in the 61st minute when Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, firing a powerful effort under the crossbar.
Zambia responded with renewed urgency, pushing forward through Fashion Sakala’s pace and direct running. Mali’s defence, well-organised by Diaby, held firm for much of the second half, and Sinayoko nearly sealed the win with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
However, Mali were punished for a late lapse in concentration. In stoppage time, Daka rose highest to power home a header, silencing the Casablanca crowd and snatching a valuable point for the Chipolopolo.
While the draw felt like a missed opportunity for Mali, Zambia’s resilience highlighted their ability to compete until the final whistle at AFCON 2025.
