In a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations Group B encounter, South Africa edged past Angola with a 2-1 victory, marking a significant end to a long-standing drought. The crucial winning goal came from the boot of Lyle Foster, whose spectacular strike from outside the box sealed the win in Marrakech on Monday, December 22, 2025.
A Historic Victory After Two Decades
This hard-fought triumph is monumental for South African football, as it represents their first victory in an opening match at the continental finals in 21 years. The match was a tense affair, with both teams creating clear opportunities. South Africa's performance, though not entirely dominant, was just enough to deserve the three points, a sentiment echoed by their disallowed goal and a shot that rattled the crossbar.
The game began with South Africa asserting control. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis displayed excellent skill inside the penalty area. He deftly maneuvered past defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Bafana Bafana the lead.
Angola's Response and Foster's Moment of Magic
Angola, however, refused to be subdued. They found an equalizer ten minutes before halftime. A low-driven free-kick from Fredy was cleverly redirected into the net by Show, who was celebrating his 50th international cap. The goal brought the teams level at the break, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
South Africa thought they had regained the lead shortly after the restart, but a goal from substitute Tshepang Moremi was chalked off after a VAR review indicated Lyle Foster was in an offside position during the build-up. The tension continued to mount as South Africa's Mbekezeli Mbokazi unleashed a powerful 35-yard drive that cannoned off the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. Foster, South Africa's standout player from English Premier League side Burnley, received the ball about 20 metres from goal. With impeccable technique, he curled a sublime shot into the top corner, leaving the Angolan goalkeeper with no chance. This moment of individual brilliance proved to be the match-winner.
Broos's Well-Drilled Side on Course for Knockouts
Under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, South Africa showcased a disciplined and workmanlike performance. While the squad may lack the depth of European-based stars that some rivals boast, they function effectively as a cohesive unit. This victory provides the perfect launchpad for their campaign, putting them in a strong position to advance from Group B, which also features football giants Egypt and Zimbabwe.
The win is a massive confidence booster for the 2023 bronze medallists. It demonstrates their resilience and ability to grind out results in high-pressure tournament football. All eyes will now be on their next fixture as they aim to build on this historic start and progress to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
