Inspired hosts sink Angola

South Africa got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on track with a much-improved performance to secure victory against Angola in Group A.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
South Africau2019s Thuso Phala, (r) fights for the ball against Miguel Quiami during the Africa Cup of Nations game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban yesterday. Net photo.

South Africa got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on track with a much-improved performance to secure victory against Angola in Group A. Centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni volleyed in at the far post to score Bafana Bafana’s first goal of the tournament.The hosts, who drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener, dominated against Angola yet lacked a cutting edge.But South Africa got a second goal when Lehlohonolo Majoro slotted past the keeper from a tight angle.Majoro started on the bench, one of five changes to the team line-up following South Africa’s disappointing display on Saturday, and had been on the pitch for only two minutes when he scored.Katlego Mphela was among those to be drafted in from the start, with coach Gordon Igesund hoping the striker would provide some much-needed threat up front in a team that has long been struggling to score.But, while the tournament hosts started with more urgency and drive, their problems in front of goal were again apparent.Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo failed to get his head to a cross when he looked certain to score and Tokelo Rantie twice shot off target when well placed. Mphela’s most dangerous moment was snuffed out by keeper Lama, who tipped the ball away from the striker’s feet.Angola, meanwhile, were starved of the ball and looked horribly short of quality.Agencies