Lyle Foster’s stunning late goal propelled South Africa to a 2-1 victory over Angola in their opening Group B match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday night.
The Burnley striker curled home a superb effort from outside the box in the 79th minute, restoring Bafana Bafana’s lead after a resilient Angola had fought back to level terms before halftime.
The win marked a perfect start for Hugo Broos’ side, who are seen as dark horses in the tournament hosted in Morocco. It also celebrated a personal milestone for the Belgian coach, as the match was his 50th in charge of Bafana Bafana.
South Africa broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through Oswin Appollis, who pounced on a loose ball in the box following a dangerous cross from Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena’s neat control, firing a low drive past Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Angola, quarter-finalists in the previous edition, responded strongly and equalised 10 minutes before the break. Show side-footed home from Fredy’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, exposing defensive vulnerabilities in the Bafana backline.
Captain Ronwen Williams proved pivotal in keeping South Africa level at halftime, producing several outstanding saves – including denying Gelson Dala’s powerful header – to thwart Angola’s dominance in the opening period.
Broos introduced substitute Tshepang Moremi at the interval, and the change injected fresh energy. Moremi nearly scored immediately but was denied by a VAR-offside call against Foster in the build-up. Moments later, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi rattled the crossbar with a thunderous long-range effort.
Foster, set up by Moremi, then delivered the decisive blow, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner to spark jubilant celebrations among the South African contingent.
Foster’s beauty hands Bafana winning start at AFCON 2025
The result ends a 21-year wait for Bafana Bafana to win their opening group-stage match at an AFCON finals and positions them strongly in a challenging Group B that includes seven-time champions Egypt and Zimbabwe.
Broos’ men face a stern test next against the Pharaohs on Boxing Day (26 December) in Agadir, where a positive result could all but secure progression to the knockout stages.
Angola, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Zimbabwe on the same day, knowing defeat could jeopardise their hopes of advancing.