Foster’s late strike lifts South Africa past Angola in AFCON 2025 opener

South Africa began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola in a lively Group B clash at the Stade de Marrakech on Sunday night, Sport360NG reports.

The encounter produced early pressure, end-to-end play and a decisive moment late on as Bafana Bafana claimed three important points in what is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most demanding groups.

Angola signalled their intent almost immediately. Just two minutes into the contest, Gelson Dala met a dangerous delivery in the box, but South Africa captain Ronwen Williams reacted smartly to keep out the header. The goalkeeper was again called into action soon after, denying Fredy as Angola continued to probe.

South Africa gradually settled and began to assert themselves. Teboho Mokoena tested his luck from distance in the eighth minute, though his effort was blocked, before the breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. In the 20th minute, Oswin Appollis drove forward from midfield and struck a powerful shot from inside the area to give Bafana Bafana the lead.

Angola responded well to the setback, increasing their tempo and enjoying more possession. Their pressure was rewarded in the 34th minute when Show reacted quickest to a loose ball following a free kick, finishing from close range to draw his side level.

The sides went into the interval at 1–1, a fair reflection of an evenly balanced opening 45 minutes in which both teams created clear opportunities.

South Africa thought they had edged back in front shortly after the restart when Tshepang Moremi fired in a superb long-range effort in the 50th minute. However, a VAR check ruled the goal out for offside, much to the frustration of the South African bench.

Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana continued to push forward. They came close again when a shot struck the woodwork in the 57th minute, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi later forced a save from Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques with a firm header.

The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Lyle Foster picked up the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a fierce right-footed strike that flew past Marques, sealing the win for South Africa.

The victory gives Bafana Bafana an encouraging start in Group B, which also features Egypt and Zimbabwe. With three points secured from their opening fixture, South Africa will head into their remaining group matches with renewed confidence as they aim to progress from a highly competitive section.