South Africa secures a convincing win over Angola a 2-0 victory over the Palancas Negras of Angola in Durban as Cape Verde fails to beat 10-man Morocco in group A.
Centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni volleyed in at the far post to score South Africa’s first goal of the tournament on the 30th minutes.
The hosts, who drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener, dominated play which saw the home fans chanting with their Vuvuzelas to cheer their country on.
It was not therefore surprising that in the 62nd minutes, Lehlohonolo Majoro slotted past in between the legs of the Angola keeper from a tight angle to sealed victory for the host nation.
Coach Gordon Igesund of South Africa could not hide his joy and admitted that this performance was far better than their opening game.
“I gambled today because it was a must-win situation, we had four defenders, one holding midfielder and the other five players were committed to attacking.
“The players believed in themselves – the nerves that affected us so much against Cape Verde were gone. It was not easy out there on the pitch with the weather so hot”, he said.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde were denied their historic Africa Cup of Nations win, after Morocco leveled to draw 1-1 in the last 12 minutes of the game.
Striker Platini coolly chipped over Moroccan goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri on 35 minutes for Cape Verde’s first-ever Nations Cup goal.
But Morocco equalized with 12 minutes left, after substitute Youssef El-Arabi swept home confidently from Abdelaziz Barrada’s cut-back.
South Africa vs Angola match video
[media id=801 width=610 height=340]RESULTS (23/01/2013) SOUTH AFRICA: 2 ANGOLA: 0 CAPE VERDE: 1 MOROCCO: 1
FIXTURES (24/01/2013) GHANA VS MALI DR. CONGO VS NIGER
Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa Sports News
[adrotate banner=”41″]
