Dennis Ndlovu
Sports Reporter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Angola cemented their status as Southern Africa\u2019s football kings with a commanding 3-0 victory over South Africa in the COSAFA Cup final on Monday. A brace from star forward Dep\u00fa and a late strike by Milson sealed a dominant performance as the Palancas Negras lifted the coveted regional trophy in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Played in a charged atmosphere, Angola took control early, with Dep\u00fa breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute, coolly slotting home after a precise through ball. The Angolans picked up where they left off after halftime, and Dep\u00fa struck again in the 62nd minute, doubling the lead and crushing South Africa\u2019s hopes of a comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milson put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute with a composed finish, capping off a tournament where Angola outclassed every opponent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach Hails Team\u2019s Spirit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Angola\u2019s head coach, Pedro Gon\u00e7alves, heaped praise on his players and technical team after their triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations to the players. What heart, what passion on the pitch!\u201d said Gon\u00e7alves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis was the kind of performance I was searching for\u2014that intensity, that atmosphere\u2014and we achieved our goal.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Palancas Negras overcame challenges both on and off the field, displaying unity and resilience throughout the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve faced many setbacks back home, but we always keep our heads up,\u201d Gon\u00e7alves added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe fight for ourselves and, most importantly, for the Angolan nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Road to the Final<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Angola stormed into the final with a 4-1 demolition of Zambia in the semi-finals, showcasing their attacking firepower. Meanwhile, South Africa secured their spot with a 3-1 win over Comoros, setting up an enticing clash between two in-form sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COSAFA Dominance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this victory, Angola claimed their fifth COSAFA Cup title, adding to previous triumphs in 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2024. The win reinforces their growing stature as a regional powerhouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa, meanwhile, remains the competition\u2019s most successful team with six titles (2002, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2021, and 2009), ensuring the fierce rivalry between the two nations continues to define COSAFA\u2019s competitive spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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