South Africa edged Angola in their Group B clash at the Marrakesh Stadium, leaving Beaumelle’s side needing a positive result against Zimbabwe in their next fixture.

The Frenchman argued that Bafana’s long-term continuity – having been together for nearly five years – gave Hugo Broos’ men a decisive edge on the night.

"As I said, it's a long competition and we have to get points in order to survive the group stage. The second game in a few days will be crucial for us to get points. We might've lost 2-1 tonight, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive because we respect the plan. We just have to work to correct our mistakes."

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Beaumelle says Bafana proved him right based on his pre-game analysis.

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