Lyle Foster marked an emotional and triumphant return to the Africa Cup of Nations by scoring the decisive goal as South Africa edged Angola 2-1 in a tightly contested Group B encounter at Afcon 2025 in Marrakesh.
The Burnley striker, who missed the previous tournament after taking time away from football to focus on his mental health, produced the moment of quality that separated the two southern African rivals. Foster curled a superb strike into the corner from the edge of the penalty area in the 79th minute, sealing three crucial points for Bafana Bafana.
Strong Start as South Africa Aim to Build on Recent Afcon Success
South Africa arrived in Morocco looking to build on their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Their intent was clear from the opening stages, and they were rewarded midway through the first half.
Oswin Appollis opened the scoring after showing sharp awareness inside the box, reacting quickest to a loose ball before calmly slotting into the bottom left corner. It was a goal that reflected South Africa’s early dominance and confidence under head coach Hugo Broos.
Angola Respond with Style and Resilience
Angola, who reached the quarter-finals at the last Afcon, responded positively after falling behind. Their pressure paid off 10 minutes before half-time, when Show demonstrated superb technique to flick home a well-delivered free-kick from Fredy.
The equaliser rewarded Angola’s adventurous approach and ensured the contest remained finely balanced heading into the second half.
Drama, Disallowed Goals and Foster’s Redemption
The second half was played at a high tempo, with both sides pushing for a winner. South Africa thought they had regained the lead early after Tshepang Moreri fired in a fine strike, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside against Foster in the build-up.
Angola continued to threaten, but South Africa also came close, most notably when centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck a long-range effort against the crossbar.
After blazing one opportunity over the bar, Foster made no mistake with his next chance. Collecting the ball outside the area, the 25-year-old shaped his body beautifully before bending a precise shot beyond the goalkeeper — a goal that proved decisive.
The strike ensured South Africa maintained their perfect Afcon record against Angola, having never lost to their regional rivals at the tournament.
Broos Driving Standards as Group B Heats Up
Group B is shaping up to be one of the most competitive pools at Afcon 2025, featuring two teams already qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup — South Africa and Egypt.
Broos, who guided Cameroon to Afcon glory in 2017, has transformed South Africa since taking charge in 2021 and has made no secret of his ambition to go even further this time, targeting a place in the final.
Angola, meanwhile, are adapting under new coach Patrice Beaumelle, who has been in the role for less than three months. Despite limited preparation time, his side impressed with their attacking intent and physical resilience.
What’s Next in Group B?
South Africa now travel to Agadir to face Egypt on Friday in what promises to be a pivotal Group B clash. Angola remain in Marrakesh, where they will look to bounce back against Zimbabwe.
With fine margins already defining the group, Foster’s moment of brilliance could prove vital in the race for qualification.
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