There was no COSAFA Cup glory for Bafana Bafana on Sunday, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Angola in the final, played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

South Africa put up a strong showing in the championship match, but were ultimately undone by the ruthless finishing of Palancas Negras striker Laurindo Dilson – known as Depu – who scored either side of half time (plus a superb late free kick from Milson) to see his nation successfully defend their COSAFA Cup title.

Angola joined South Africa as five-time champions of the competition, with only Zambia (seven) and Zimbabwe (six) ahead of the duo in the all-time list.

South Africa enjoyed more ball possession and looked to force Angola onto the back foot through quick passing and movement off the ball in the first half.

And the hosts came close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Kabelo Dlamini’s cross from a short corner kick found the head of Ime Okon, but the defender was unable to get a clean connection and his looping effort hit the top of the crossbar.

The Palancas Negras slowly grew into the game, and showed their potency by breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute.

Pedro Bondo whipped in a fine cross from a free kick on the left flank and striker Depu got up highest to head the ball beyond the reach of South Africa goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa, making it 1-0 to the team in red and black.

The first 15 minutes after the break saw Bafana Bafana pushing for an equaliser, and they created a couple of promising moments from Gape Moralo free kicks, though Angola were able to remain resilient in defence.

And the reigning COSAFA champions effectively confirmed a successful defence of their title in the 62nd minute when Depu scored again – his eighth goal of the tournament – guiding home a low shot after great set-up play from Zini down the right flank.

Just over ten minutes later South Africa almost had a glimmer of hope, as Moralo’s cross was crisply struck goal-ward by Boitumelo Radiopane, but Angola goalkeeper Neblu made a superb save to keep his side in control of the game.

The Palancas Negras put the final nail in the coffin with just under 10 minutes of regulation time remaining, as substitute Milson scored a superb strike directly from a free kick to complete a 3-0 score line.

Angola (1) 3 (Depu 43’ 62’, Milson 81’)
South Africa 0

Angola: Neblu, Gaspar (Hossi 85’), Buatu, Vidinho, Abel, Bondo (Dianzenza 76’), Nteka (Milson 57’), Show, Keliano (Alem 76’), Zini, Depu (Chico 85’)

SA: Mbanjwa, Dithejane (Shabalala 68’), Okon, McCarthy (Nemtajela 82’), Letlapa (Barns 64’), Mngonyama, Mkize, Moralo (Ramabu 82’), Dlamini (Letsoalo 68’), Sebelele, Radiopane