DURBAN, South Africa - South Africa have won an Africa Cup of Nations match for the first time in nine years by outplaying Angola 2-0 to go top of Group A.
Bafana Bafana (The Boys), whose last success came against Benin at the 2004 tournament in Tunisia, triumphed through goals from centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni and substitute striker Lehlohonolo Majoro.
It was a much improved showing by the host nation after a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde last Saturday, and better passing, movement and finishing lifted them to four points and within sight of a quarter-finals place.
South Africa made five changes from the team lucky to hold debutants Cape Verde in Soweto with Tsepo Masilela, Dean Furman, May Mahlangu, Katlego Mphela and Tokelo Rantie introduced.
The changes had a desirable effect with Bafana Bafana putting an awful tournament opener behind them in the late-afternoon sun in Durban to deservedly lead 1-0 at half-time.
Sangweni broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark and ended a 315-minute goal drought since Mahlangu converted a penalty against Malawi at the same venue last month in a warm-up match.
Meanwhile substitute Youssef El Arabi spared Morocco blushes with a late equaliser in a 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations Group A draw against minnows Cape Verde.
Spain-based El Arabi finished off an Abdelaziz Barrada cross to cancel out the lead Platini gave the tiny island state 35 minutes into the first half with a chip over goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri.
After coming off second best for long spells, Morocco ended the game strongly and a flashing El Arabi header from a corner almost snatched victory for the Atlas Lions.
Hosts South Africa defeated Angola 2-0 in the first half of a double-header that lifted them to the top of the table with four points.
Cape Verde and Morocco have two points each and Angola one with one round left.