Late Foster Strike Seals South Africa’s AFCON 2025 Opening Win Over Angola

Late Foster Strike Seals South Africa’s AFCON 2025 Opening Win Over Angola

By Niyi Busari 

South Africa opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–1 victory over Angola in an entertaining Group B encounter at the Stade de Marrakech on Sunday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match delivered early intensity, moments of individual brilliance, and a decisive late goal as Bafana Bafana secured three valuable points in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

Both sides started at a high tempo, with Angola threatening as early as the second minute. Gelson Dala rose highest in the penalty area to meet a cross, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted sharply to deny the forward with a crucial save.

South Africa

responded quickly, pushing Angola back. In the eighth minute, Teboho Mokoena attempted a long-range strike that was blocked, signalling a tightly contested opening period.

After Angola missed several opportunities, including a Fredy effort well saved by Williams, South Africa capitalised on their next opening.

In the 20th minute, Oswin Appollis surged forward from midfield and fired a powerful shot from inside the box to put South Africa ahead.

Angola regrouped well after conceding and gradually regained control of the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 34th minute when Show reacted quickest to a free-kick situation, slotting home from close range to restore parity.

The 1–1 scoreline at halftime reflected a balanced first half, with both teams creating clear scoring chances.

South Africa emerged strongly after the interval and thought they had regained the lead in the 50th minute. Tshepang Moremi unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Hugo Marques.

However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the score level and maintaining the tension.

The match remained open, with South Africa striking the post in the 57th minute and Mbekezeli Mbokazi later testing Marques with a header.

Bafana Bafana’s persistence was finally rewarded in the 78th minute when Lyle Foster received the ball outside the penalty area and drove a fierce right-footed shot past Marques to seal the victory.

The win hands South Africa a strong start in Group B, which also includes Egypt and Zimbabwe. With three points secured, Bafana Bafana will take confidence into their next fixtures as they look to navigate what is expected to be one of the toughest groups at AFCON 2025.