COSAFA Cup: Angola's air supremacy sends Palancas Negras past Lesotho

Photo: COSAFA Media

Angola grabbed control of Group B on Sunday at the 2025 COSAFA Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

The Palancas Negras scored their first three goals from headers and a Depu hat-trick helped the defending champions bounce back from a disappointing opening match draw to Namibia. Angola took control early on Sunday and it could have been an even more lopsided victory.

Petro de Luanda defender Vidinho opened the scoring with a towering header from close range in the 42nd minute from a Pedro Bondo corner kick. Less than two minutes later, Depu scored the first of two goals with his own header from Chico Banza's service.

Lesotho showed improvement in the second half after a couple of halftime substitutions but could not find a way past Palancas goalkeeper Neblu. All hopes of a result were gone after Depu got on the end of a free kick from Simão Dianzenza to nod home another goal, his third of the competition. The forward added one more goal with the final touch of the match before the full time whistle.

Angola will finish up play in Group B on Tuesday against Malawi, who take on Namibia later on Sunday. Lesotho finish up against Namibia who can keep things interesting in the battle for top spot in the group if they can overcome Malawi's Flames to stay on pace with Angola.

Group B Table

	GP	Points
Angola	2	4
Lesotho	2	3
Namibia	2	2
Malawi	2	1

• The group winner qualifies to the semifinals.