Lyle Foster scored a late winner as South Africa opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola in Group B at the Stade de Marrakech. 

The Burnley striker’s decisive strike ensured Bafana Bafana made a positive start to the tournament in Morocco.

South Africa took the lead in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and calmly guided his effort into the bottom corner. 

Hugo Broos’ side looked confident early on as they sought to build on their third-place finish at the previous Afcon finals.

Angola responded well to falling behind and were rewarded 10 minutes before half-time. Show levelled the contest with an audacious flick from Fredy’s free-kick, capping an encouraging spell in which the Palancas Negras pushed South Africa back and showed their attacking intent.

The second half remained finely balanced, with chances at both ends. South Africa thought they had regained the lead through Tshepang Moreri, but the goal was ruled out after Foster was caught offside in the build-up, adding to the tension in an increasingly physical contest.

Foster made amends in the 79th minute, curling a superb effort from the edge of the box to restore South Africa’s advantage.

The goal proved decisive, maintaining Bafana Bafana’s record of never losing to Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa now turn their attention to a heavyweight Group B clash against Egypt in Agadir on Friday, while Angola will look to bounce back when they face Zimbabwe in Marrakesh. Both sides showed enough quality to suggest the group could yet deliver more drama as the tournament unfolds.

On Tuesday, action continues in Group C and D as DR Congo faces Benin, Nigeria plays Tanzania, Senegal against Botswana and Tunisia against Uganda.