Durban — It was a day to forget for Bafana Bafana as Angola turned on the style and punished the hosts with a commanding 3-0 victory in the COSAFA Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
With the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium buzzing with anticipation, South Africa came in riding a wave of confidence after their semi-final triumph — but it didn’t take long for the party to fall flat.
A Nervy Start for the Hosts
Bafana made just one change to the starting XI that edged Comoros, bringing in Vuyo Letlapa for the promising Mduduzi Shabalala. The opening exchanges were tight, cagey, and lacking fireworks, but Gape Moralo and Kamogelo Sebelebele tried to inject life into Bafana’s attack with some lively touches and clever movement.
Then came the first real warning shot.
Ime Okon rose highest in the box and powered a header towards goal — only to see it cannon off the crossbar. The crowd gasped. That could’ve changed everything.
Instead, Angola grew into the game, showing more composure and tactical discipline. Just before the halftime whistle, they struck.
A dangerous free-kick swung in from the left, and Laurindo Aurelio ghosted into the box to nod it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to Angola, and suddenly the pressure was all on Bafana.
Angola Turn Up the Heat
Early in the second half, Boitumelo Radiopane tried to drag his side back into the game with a quickfire shot from a loose ball, but Angolan goalkeeper Neblu wasn’t about to be beaten — stretching low to deny the Pirates man.
But Angola weren’t done.
In the 62nd minute, that man Aurelio struck again. Slipping between two defenders, he met a teasing cross and coolly slotted past a helpless Thakasani Mbanjwa. That goal not only doubled the lead but also took Aurelio’s tournament tally to eight goals — sealing his status as one of COSAFA’s standout stars.
South Africa Run Out of Steam
In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Bafana rang the changes — introducing Shabalala and Victor Letsoalo. Radiopane had another golden chance moments later, connecting sweetly with a volley inside the six-yard box — but again, Neblu stood tall, tipping it over with a brilliant reflex save.
Then came the dagger.
With just under ten minutes to go, Angola were awarded a free-kick just outside the area. Milson stepped up and curled it beautifully into the near corner. It was a masterstroke — and the final nail in South Africa’s coffin.
Angola Reign Supreme
The final whistle blew to scenes of wild celebration from the Palancas Negras, who claimed back-to-back COSAFA Cup titles and silenced the home crowd in brutal fashion.
Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, were left to pick up the pieces — their dream of lifting the regional crown on home soil shattered by a clinical and composed Angolan side.
