AFCON 2025: Top 5 things we learned from Bafana Bafana vs Angola

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AFCON 2025: Top 5 things we learned from Bafana Bafana vs Angola

South Africa’s opening Group B clash against Angola was far from straightforward. Hugo Broos’s men eventually ground out a 2–1 victory, but the performance raised as many questions as it answered.

Here are the five big themes that emerged from the encounter.

1. Zwane’s Absence Leaves a Creative Void

Hugo Broos’s decision to leave out veteran playmaker Themba Zwane loomed large. In his place, Sipho Mbule was tasked with linking midfield to attack, but his defensive frailties were exposed by Angola’s transitions. Mbule tired quickly, leaving gaps that Angola exploited, particularly in the first half. Without Zwane’s composure and vision, Bafana lacked fluency in possession and struggled to dictate tempo.

Broos Zwane

2. Mokwana’s Rustiness Raises Selection Questions

Elias Mokwana, once a bright spark for Bafana Bafana, looked off the pace. His touches were heavy, his runs lacked conviction, and he failed to provide width or penetration. The contrast with Iqraam Rayners, who was left out, was stark. Rayners’ sharpness and directness might have offered more cutting edge. Mokwana’s inclusion suggests Broos was banking on past form, but this match showed he may no longer be the reliable option he once was.

Elias Mokwana

3. Angola Are No Pushovers

The Palancas Negras proved they are more than just group-stage fodder. Compact defensively and dangerous on the counter, they equalised through Show before half-time and kept South Africa under pressure. Their midfield trio pressed aggressively, forcing turnovers, while their wide players stretched Bafana’s backline. If they maintain this level, Angola could surprise many and sneak into the round of 16.

4. European-Based Players’ Late Arrival Disrupted Rhythm

Preparation issues were evident. Several European-based stars joined camp late, limiting tactical cohesion. Lyle Foster epitomised this: sluggish in the first half, sharper in the second. His eventual winner highlighted his quality, but the lack of synergy between him and the midfield was clear. Broos will need to manage these integration challenges better if South Africa are to progress deep into the tournament.

Lyle Foster – SAFA

5. Foster the Match-Winner

Despite his slow start, Lyle Foster reminded everyone why he is South Africa’s most important forward. His movement improved after the break, he linked play more effectively, and his 79th-minute strike was a moment of class, curling the ball beyond the keeper with precision. Foster’s ability to deliver under pressure could be the difference between a group-stage exit and a serious run in AFCON 2025.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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