After a cagey start to their campaign in last Saturday’s opening match against debutants Cape Verde, hosts South Africa had a lot to celebrate today as they powered strongly to the top of Group A at the 29^th Africa Cup of Nations.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium came alive as the Bafana Bafana blasted two unreplied goals past Angola’s Palancas Negras to record their first win in the Africa Cup of Nations since 2004.

Siyabonga Sangweni opened accounts for the South Africans in the … minute with a superb left-footed volley after latching onto a Bernard Parker cross from the right flank.

In their desperation to even scores in the second half, the Angolans were caught in the counter-attack in the 62^nd minute when substitute Lehlohonolo Majoro outpaced the last defender on the by-line before passing the ball through the legs of Lama from a tight angle at six-yards out to make it 2-0.

In the second match just concluded at the same venue, giant killers Cape Verde nearly ran away with a famous victory against former champions Morocco before second half substitute Youssef El-Arabi came to the rescue with a goal 12 minutes from time.

The Cape Verdeans, who deprived mighty Cameroon of the opportunity of featuring in the championship, had taken the lead in the 36^th minute through Luis Platini before El-Arabi came to the rescue. The tournament continues tomorrow.

•Photo: Platini of Cape Verde battles Oussama Assaidi of Morocco.