South Africa scored a goal in either half to record a 2-0 win over Angola in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A encounter.
© PA Photos
It was Angola that had the first chance of the match after just four minutes, but Mateus could only fire his effort wide of the target.
South Africa had an opportunity of their own moments later, but Katlego Mphela headed a Bernard Parker free kick over the crossbar.
South Africa continued to improve as the half developed and they took the lead just before the 30-minute mark when Siyabonga Sangweni struck an unstoppable volley into the top corner.
Manucho remained the biggest threat for Togo late in the half as he presented two chances to Mateus, but the latter fired the first one wide before smashing over from close range. They were almost made to pay when Parker had an effort down the other end, but Lama was on hand to make the save.
Angola had a fine chance to level 10 minutes into the second period when Meteus drove into the penalty area before finding the run of Guilherme Afonso, but the attacker could only fire wide of the target. Dean Furman came close down the other end moments later, but his effort was tipped over the crossbar by Luma.
© PA Photos
South Africa did score their second just past the hour mark, however, when Lehlohonolo Majoro ghosted into the box before firing his effort into the bottom corner. The attacker had a chance to add his team's third moments later, but he could only fire wide of the target.
Manucho came close to a late consolation for Angola when he gathered possession before driving into the penalty area, but the danger was cleared at the vital moment as the host nation secured their first win of the tournament.
Matt Law
