Angola has retained the COSAFA Cup crown after triumphing over South African in the final held at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung on Sunday.
The Palancas Negras of Angola dominated the Bafana Bafana with a 3-0 win in the much-anticipated clash. Record-breaker Depu netted a brace of goals, while Milson added another goal to help his outfit secure the title.
Angola’s back-to-back triumphs have taken their total wins in the competition to five, level with South Africa and behind only Zambia (seven) and Zimbabwe (six).
Last year, Angola made light work of Namibia to lift the trophy, inflicting a 5-0 win in the finals.
Depu, who plies his trade for Vojvodina in Serbia won both the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot prize, while compatriot Neblu claimed the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old forward scored against Namibia, bagged a hat-trick versus Lesotho, and struck braces in matches against Madagascar and South Africa.
Additionally, this was South Africa’s first appearance in a home final since 2021. Four years ago, they edged out Senegal in a penalty shootout to claim the title. The Bafana Bafana had some consolation when they took home the Fair Play award.
Meanwhile, Comoros picked up the bronze medal with a 1-0 victory over fellow islanders Madagascar in the third-place play-off.
