AFCON 2025: Foster, Appollis score as South Africa beat Angola in Group B opener
South Africa secured a winning start to their AFCON 2025 campaign as goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Fostersealed a 2–1 victory over Angola in Group B on Monday night in Marrakesh.
The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first opening-game win at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2004, ending a 21-year drought in tournament openers.
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South Africa began on the front foot, pressing high and attacking with intent in the opening exchanges. Despite their early dominance, it was goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who was first called into action, reacting sharply in the 15th minute to push away a powerful effort from Angola captain Fredy Ribeiro.
Six minutes later, South Africa made their pressure count.
Appollis breaks the deadlock
A teasing cross from Khuliso Mudau caused confusion in the Angolan defence, allowing Oswin Appollis to pounce. The winger showed composure to guide a low finish past 39-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Marques, giving South Africa a deserved lead in the 21st minute.
Angola responded positively and began to control possession, forcing South Africa onto the back foot.
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Angola fight back before the break
Williams was again called into action midway through the first half, producing a stunning point-blank save to deny Gelson Dala’s header. Angola’s pressure eventually paid off in the 35th minute. Following a foul by Siyabonga Ngezana, a low free-kick was driven into the penalty area where midfielder Show reacted quickest to steer the ball into the corner and level the score.
Tempers flared as the half drew to a close, with several players booked as the contest grew increasingly physical. At the interval, Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle could feel hard done by not to be leading.
VAR denies South Africa
South Africa thought they had restored their lead early in the second half when substitute Tshepang Moremi fired into the net. However, celebrations were cut short following a VAR review that ruled Lyle Foster marginally offside in the buildup.
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Undeterred, South Africa continued to push forward. Centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close with a long-range effort that crashed off the crossbar as Angola struggled to cope with the renewed pressure.
Foster delivers the winner
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute.
After intercepting an Angolan pass, South Africa launched a swift counterattack. Two quick passes found Foster on the edge of the box, and the Burnley striker made no mistake, firing a powerful shot beyond Marques to restore Bafana Bafana’s lead.
It was Foster’s fourth goal in six matches for South Africa and a moment of redemption after his earlier disallowed effort.
Historic Opening Win
Angola pushed for a late equaliser but South Africa held firm to secure all three points and move to the top of Group B, alongside Egypt. The victory gives Bafana Bafana a major confidence boost as they look to build momentum in Morocco and improve on recent AFCON campaigns.
South Africa’s next test will further reveal whether this disciplined and energetic performance can be sustained against tougher opposition.
SportsLigue