Broos Praises Moremi Impact After Bafana Open AFCON With Win Over Angola

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has singled out Tshepang Moremi for praise after his influential display off the bench in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Angola in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster secured an important victory for Bafana against their COSAFA rivals on Monday evening. The result gave South Africa a positive start to the tournament, but Broos made it clear that he was not fully satisfied with what he saw in the first half.

South Africa took the lead through Appollis, yet allowed Angola back into the match before the break. Speaking after the game, Broos admitted the team lost focus after going ahead and allowed the opposition too much freedom.

He explained that avoiding defeat in the opener was critical, especially with a difficult match against Egypt still to come. Broos said the team fell asleep after leading 1-0 and let Angola grow into the game, something he was unhappy with and needed to address at halftime.

The Belgian coach made changes during the interval and the difference was clear after the restart. South Africa played with greater intensity, moved the ball quicker and applied sustained pressure in the Angola half. Broos said this was the level of performance he expects from his side.

Moremi, who was introduced at halftime, played a central role in the improved display. His pace and direct running immediately stretched the Angola defence. He thought he had scored shortly after coming on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. He later provided the assist for Foster’s decisive strike.

Broos was full of praise for the winger, saying his introduction brought speed and danger to the team. He noted that Angola struggled to contain Moremi and acknowledged that the substitute caused constant problems during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.

The coach added that even though the disallowed goal was frustrating, Moremi’s overall contribution was exactly what the team needed. His energy helped shift the momentum in South Africa’s favour and played a key role in securing all three points.

The win puts Bafana Bafana in a strong position early in the tournament and highlights the importance of squad depth. With players like Moremi able to change games from the bench, Broos will take confidence into the next fixture as South Africa prepare to face Egypt in their second group match.