South Africa opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 win against Angola in Marrakech on Monday, courtesy of a stunning late goal by Lyle Foster.
The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute through Oswin Appollis, who finished neatly after a slick team move that put South ahead early in Group B action. Angola responded well and Show levelled in the 35th minute, redirecting a free-kick into the net to make it 1–1 before halftime.
After a scrappy opening to the second half — including a disallowed goal for South and a shot off the crossbar — the decisive moment came in the 79th minute. Foster, the Burnley striker and South Africa’s lone Premier League representative in the squad, curled a superb shot from outside the box into the top corner, leaving the Angola goalkeeper with no chance and sending the home crowd into jubilant celebrations.
The victory marked South first win in an Africa Cup of Nations opening match in 21 years, a significant milestone for Bafana Bafana as they aim to build momentum in their continental campaign. Angola, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities and a strong performance that ultimately fell just short.
With the win, South sit atop Group B ahead of their next fixtures, while Foster’s spectacular strike underlined his value and provided a moment of individual brilliance on a big stage.
