Champions of Southern Africa: On-fire Angola dominate Namibia in thrilling final to win Cosafa Cup

The Angolans dominated from the start, keeping their opponents on the back foot. Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Pedro Bondo Francisco broke the deadlock.

The Palancas Negras continued to apply pressure and were awarded a penalty just before half-time, which Depú converted for his fifth goal of the tournament.

With a 2-0 lead entering the second half, the Angolans controlled the match while Namibia struggled to find their footing.

Namibia’s hopes were dashed in the 58th minute when Victor Nanque, left unmarked from a corner kick, headed in Angola’s third goal.

The plot thickened for the Namibians when central defender Ivan Kamberipa received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on the edge of the box. Angola capitalised on the opportunity, with Nanque spectacularly converting the resulting free-kick in the 67th minute.

Not long after, captain Keliano Manuel struck the ball into the roof of the net, securing Angola’s fifth goal, which sealed the deal for them to walk away with the title.