South Africa vs Angola: History, Head-to-Head and What’s at Stake

When South Africa and Angola meet in Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, it will be more than just a game, it’s a clash of ambition, history, and regional pride. Over the years, these two nations have faced off in tightly contested battles, but the numbers reveal a clear trend: South Africa have consistently held the upper hand, especially when the stakes are highest at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Head-to-Head: The Numbers Behind the Rivalry

Across all competitions, South Africa and Angola have met 19 times, and the record leans toward Bafana Bafana:

Overall	P	W	D	L	GF	GA
South Africa	19	9	6	4	21	19
Angola	19	4	6	9	19	21

While the margins are slim, just two goals separate the sides, the win-loss ratio shows South Africa’s knack for edging out Angola in crucial moments. Angola have managed to keep games competitive, but turning draws into victories has been their Achilles’ heel.

AFCON: South Africa’s Fortress

The Africa Cup of Nations tells an even more decisive story. In four tournament meetings, South Africa remain unbeaten:

AFCON	P	W	D	L	GF	GA
South Africa	4	2	2	0	4	1
Angola	4	0	2	2	1	4

This dominance underscores South Africa’s ability to rise when the stage is largest. Angola, meanwhile, continue to chase their first AFCON victory over Bafana Bafana.

Historical Highlights

• AFCON 1996: South Africa launched their triumphant campaign with a 1–0 win over Angola en route to the title.
• AFCON 2013: Another commanding 2–0 victory for Bafana Bafana reaffirmed their continental credibility.

Next Confrontation

The next showdown takes place on Monday, 22 December 2025, at 19:00 local time (17:00 GMT), at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. This high-stakes Group B opener in AFCON 2025 sets the tone for both nations’ campaigns.

Where to Watch

• Internationally: beIN Sports (including beIN Sports MENA and beIN Sports 1 in France), SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique, and Arryadia across North Africa.
• South Africa: SABC Sport and SABC 2 will broadcast live across the country, with streaming available on SABC’s platforms.

Why This Rivalry Matters

• South Africa: Aiming to maintain continental supremacy and build tournament momentum.
• Angola: Seeking a breakthrough in AFCON and a historic scalp.

Tactical Themes to Watch

• Smart game control and efficiency from South Africa.
• Angola’s pursuit of sharper attacking transitions and ability to convert tight chances.

The Big Question

Can Angola finally upset the balance and break their AFCON hoodoo against South Africa, or will Bafana Bafana reaffirm their dominance early in the tournament?