South Africa opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola in Marrakesh on Monday. Burnley striker Lyle Foster scored the winning goal late in the second half to secure Bafana Bafana’s first opening-match win at the tournament in 21 years.
The result marked a long-awaited breakthrough for South Africa, who had failed to win their opening AFCON fixture since defeating Benin in 2004. Since then, they recorded two draws and four defeats in opening matches across different editions.
Bright Start for Bafana Bafana
South Africa began the Group B encounter with confidence and energy. Their early pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis gave them the lead with a composed finish past veteran goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Bafana Bafana continued to attack, although goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stayed alert at the other end. He reacted sharply midway through the half to deny Angolan captain Fredy Ribeiro with a crucial save.
Angola Respond Before the Interval
Angola gradually gained control as the first half progressed. Their pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the 35th minute when Show steered a low free-kick into the corner.
Tempers flared in the closing stages of the half, leading to several bookings. Despite the scoreline, Angola finished the half strongly and looked the more composed side heading into the break.
Foster Seals Historic Win
South Africa returned after the interval with renewed urgency. A potential goal from substitute Tshepang Moremi was ruled out after VAR showed Foster narrowly offside in the build-up.
Undeterred, Bafana Bafana maintained the pressure and pushed higher up the pitch. Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close with a long-range effort that struck the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. Foster collected the ball on the edge of the area and fired a low shot beyond Marques to restore South Africa’s lead.
The goal sealed maximum points and gave South Africa a confidence-boosting start to their AFCON campaign. It also highlighted Foster’s fine form, marking his fourth goal in six matches.
