Lyle Foster scored the decisive goal as South Africa edged Angola 2-1 in an entertaining Group B clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakesh on Monday night.
Bafana Bafana made a bright start and were rewarded midway through the first half when Oswin Appollis put them ahead. The winger capitalised on a loose ball after sustained pressure and calmly slotted past veteran goalkeeper Hugo Marques to give South Africa a deserved lead.
Angola responded positively and gradually wrestled control of the game. Ronwen Williams was forced into action on several occasions, including a sharp save from Fredy Ribeiro and a point-blank stop from a Gelson Dala header as the Palancas Negras grew in confidence.
The equaliser arrived in the 35th minute following a moment of indiscipline from the South Africans. A free kick was driven low into the box and Show reacted quickest, flicking the ball into the corner to level the match and leave Angola the happier side heading into the break.
South Africa emerged stronger in the second half and thought they had regained the lead early on through substitute Tshepang Moremi, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside against Foster in the build-up.
With momentum swinging their way, Bafana continued to press. Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close with a long-range effort that rattled the crossbar, while Foster wasted a clear chance on the counter as the match opened up.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. After a sharp interception and quick passing move, the ball fell to Foster on the edge of the area and the Burnley striker curled a superb shot beyond Marques to restore South Africa’s advantage.
Angola pushed for a late response but South Africa held firm to claim maximum points. The win preserved Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten AFCON record against Angola and marked their first opening-match victory at the tournament since 2004.
South Africa next face Egypt in a high-profile Group B encounter, while Angola turn their attention to Zimbabwe as the race for qualification begins to take shape.
