Marrakesh, Morocco – Lyle Foster emerged as the hero for South Africa as Bafana Bafana narrowly defeated Angola 2-1 in a pulsating Group B opener at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Marrakesh.
Burnley striker Foster, returning to the continental stage after missing the previous Afcon to focus on his mental health, curled a sensational strike from the edge of the box in the 79th minute to secure the victory in a hard-fought contest.
South Africa, aiming to build on their third-place finish at the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast, took the lead midway through the first half when Oswin Appollis showcased his composure to pounce on a loose ball, slotting it neatly into the bottom left-hand corner.
Angola, who had impressed by reaching the quarter-finals in the previous edition, responded with determination. Ten minutes before halftime, Show stylishly flicked home Fredy’s free-kick to level the scores, rewarding their spirited reaction to going behind.
Moments after missing a chance earlier, Foster restored South Africa’s advantage with his decisive curling effort, ensuring that Bafana Bafana maintained their unbeaten record against their southern African rivals at Afcon. The 25-year-old also atoned for his involvement in Tshepang Moreri’s early second-half strike being disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.
South Africa now travel to Agadir to face Egypt on Friday, while Angola remain in Marrakesh to meet Zimbabwe. Group B is the only pool at the Morocco finals to feature two sides heading to next year’s Fifa World Cup, with South Africa and seven-time African champions Egypt both in contention. Egypt will face Zimbabwe later on Monday (20:00 GMT).
Coach Hugo Broos, who lifted the Afcon trophy with Cameroon in 2017, has reinvigorated South Africa since taking charge in 2021, openly aiming to go one step further and reach the final this edition.
Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle, critical of Fifa’s decision to allow clubs to release players only one week before the tournament, has been in his role for barely three months. Nevertheless, his Palancas Negras took the game to their opponents with impressive flair. Gelson Dala went close with two headers, and midfielder Fredy’s powerful volley was well blocked by the South African defence.
Angola also had their moments of fortune, with a disallowed goal and Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s long-range effort striking the crossbar. Yet, in the end, it was Foster, an important but not always prolific figure for Burnley under Scott Parker over the past two seasons—who sealed the win with a sublime curling strike from distance.
South Africa’s victory sets the tone for an exciting Group B campaign, leaving fans eager for the upcoming clash with Egypt, while Angola will look to bounce back against Zimbabwe.
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