Burnley forward Lyle Foster's second-half strike secured a 2-1 victory for South Africa over Angola in their Group B opener at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech. Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana the lead before Angola equalized through Show, but Foster's curling finish proved decisive. The win provides momentum for South Africa's campaign against seven-time champions Egypt next.
South Africa began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Angola in Marrakech on December 22, 2025. The match, played at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, saw Oswin Appollis open the scoring in the 21st minute with a neat drive from inside the box, putting the 2023 semi-finalists ahead.
Angola, quarter-finalists two years ago, leveled the score 10 minutes before halftime when Show pounced on a left-wing cross from winger Fredy, despite being a pre-match doubt due to illness. The equalizer came after Angola created more chances in the first half but struggled to convert.
After the break, half-time substitute Tshepang Moremi had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside following a Video Assistant Referee check. Moremi later teed up Foster's winner with 11 minutes remaining, as the Burnley forward curled a shot from outside the box into the net. Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi nearly extended the lead, striking the crossbar with a long-range effort.
Both teams displayed eye-catching football, with euphoric celebrations marking the goals. South Africa, under coach Hugo Broos, arrived with a fit squad including captain Ronwen Williams in goal, though veteran Themba Zwane was omitted for selection and fitness reasons. Angola missed forward Zine Salvador due to a club injury.
The result leaves South Africa top of Group B ahead of their clash with Egypt in Agadir on December 26 (15:00 GMT), while Angola face Zimbabwe in Marrakech the same day (12:30 GMT). In their head-to-head history, South Africa hold nine wins from 19 meetings, though Angola won 3-0 in the June 2025 COSAFA Cup final.
