Fantastic Foster strike hands Bafana Bafana winning start against Angola at AFCON
Lyle Foster produced a moment of real quality to seal a 2–1 victory for South Africa over Angola in their opening Group B match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech on Monday. The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first opening-game win at the continental finals in 21 years.
South Africa edged a lively contest in which they created the clearer chances, even though Angola also threatened and will feel they did enough to earn at least a point. Bafana struck the woodwork once and had a goal ruled out, underlining their attacking intent throughout the match.
The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. Oswin Appollis showed quick feet inside the penalty area, slipped past two defenders and calmly guided his effort into the bottom corner to put South Africa ahead.
Angola responded before the interval. A low free kick from Fredy caused problems in the box and Show got the decisive touch to steer the ball into the net, drawing his side level on 35 minutes.
South Africa pushed again after the break and nearly regained the lead when Tshepang Moremi found the net soon after coming on at halftime. The effort was eventually chalked off following a VAR review, with Foster judged to be offside in the build-up.
Bafana continued to press, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi crashing a long-range effort against the crossbar, while Foster also went close with a header that was well saved by former Cape Town City goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute. Foster was picked out around 25 yards from goal and the Burnley forward curled a superb shot into the top corner, leaving the Angola keeper with no chance and sending the South African supporters into celebration.
Angola had opportunities of their own, including a powerful volley from captain Fredy that forced a sharp save from Ronwen Williams, who pushed the ball clear in a crowded area.
In the end, South Africa’s attacking persistence paid off as they secured all three points and made an encouraging start to their AFCON campaign, while Angola were left to reflect on a spirited display that ultimately went unrewarded.
