Bafana Bafana vs Angola: A rich history in AFCON

BAFANA BAFANA against Angola in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is there a more familiar fixture?

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

South Africa’s senior national team begins their campaign at the 35th edition of the biennial, continental showpiece against a foe they've met many times before. Monday's clash between the COSAFA nations will be the fifth such since South Africa's return to international football in 1992.

Back in 1996 when Bafana Bafana reigned supreme on the continent, one of the countries we beat en route to that glory was Angola. I remember that match vividly.

It was a few days after we had smashed Cameroon 3-0 in the tournament and many of us descended upon the old FNB Stadium anticipating a similar outcome. I was a cadet journalist at The Star and the excitement in the newsroom was palpable, the late Phil Nyamane leading our coverage. I gota ticket for the match and sat in the extra strong section — the northeastern stand to be precise.