South Africa held by Angola
Pienaar's side could not get the better of Angola
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Wednesday, 23, Jan 2008 10:35
South Africa have been held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in their opening match of the African Cup of Nations.
Bafana Bafana went behind after Manucho scored for Angola with a superb diving header but Elrio van Heerden saved South Africa ten minutes from time with a fierce drive.
Manucho is reportedly on his way to Manchester United if the Red Devils can secure a work permit for the player and he showed why Alex Ferguson is interested in him midway through the first half.
A flowing move up the flank was completed when the striker flung himself at the cross and sent a bullet header past goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs.
The goal was against the run of play and although the second half was evenly contested in midfield it was South Africa who continued to carve out chances.
In a bizarre situation Blackburn's Aaron Mokena thought he had equalised with 15 minutes remaining. Angola goalkeeper Lama punched his shot away only to see it spin back into his own goal; however the referee ruled it out for offside.
But South Africa were not made to wait much longer for their equaliser and were back on level terms when substitute van Heerden's shot from 20 yards out fizzed into the top corner.
All four sides in group D are now on one point after their opening fixtures as Tunisia and Senegal shared the spoils earlier in the day.
Issam Jooma gave Tunisia a surprise lead but Moustapha Sall equalised just before the break for Senegal to give them hope.
Diomansy Kamara then put Senegal ahead but Mejdi Traoui hammered home from 25 yards out with seven minutes remaining, giving Tunisia a deserved draw.