Angola leave it late to beat South Sudan and move closer to CAN 2027 qualification

Angola scored twice in stoppage time to beat South Sudan 2-0 in Luanda and move level with Egypt at the top of Group B in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Palancas Negras appeared set to be frustrated by the Bright Stars despite playing with a numerical advantage for almost the entire second half. South Sudan were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute when Geriga Atendele was sent off for violent conduct.

Playing at the Estadio Nacional 11 de Novembro on Saturday, Aliou Cisse’s side struggled to break through the visitors’ defensive organisation. The breakthrough eventually came from two players introduced from the bench.

There were 11 minutes of added time, and Chico Banza opened the scoring in the 90th minute and two minutes after being set up by Miro. Miro then turned provider into goalscorer, adding Angola’s second in the 90th minute and eight minutes.

The result gives Angola a second consecutive win in the qualifying campaign. They had previously defeated Malawi 3-1 on 6 October.

That victory lifted Cisse’s team level on points with Egypt, who remain joint leaders because they have the better goal difference. South Sudan, who started the day bottom of Group B, are now officially eliminated from contention for CAN 2027.

Angola can secure qualification on Tuesday, when they travel to Juba for the fourth round of fixtures. The former Senegal manager’s team would need to win that match, while also relying on Egypt to beat Malawi.

If both results occur, Angola would qualify with two rounds of the campaign still to play.