BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Aaron Mokoena played a starring role as South Africa came from a goal behind to draw their opening African Cup of Nations match against Angola las night.

The Bafana Bafana captain was in the thick of the action as Angolan keeper Lama's wild punch late on resulted in the ball crossing the line, only for the effort to be ruled out for off-side.

But the point was salvaged just minutes later as substitute Elrio van Heerden netted.

Manchester United-bound Manucho had earlier opened the scoring with a stunning diving header to round off a clinical first half move.

In truth, other than Manucho's goal, relatively few of the first half incidents had been edge-of-seat stuff. That changed in the second period.

Not long after the restart, Lama had to race off his line to punch clear a Steven Pineaar cross. Teko Modise then played in a corner for Benson Mhlongo, only for the defender to head wide.

The brilliant Flavio was then almost both provider and scorer, linking up well with Ze Kalanga for the latter to shoot just wide, before bringing out the best in Josephs after a close-range effort.

South Africa were beginning to tire, but Van Heerden added yet another goal worthy of highlight reels for years to come in a tournament that's already seen plenty.

The Club Brugge man strode forward on the right before left-footing it into the top corner from just under 30 yards.