South Africa began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola in Group B on Sunday in Marrakesh. The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first opening-game win at AFCON in 21 years, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
The encounter between the two COSAFA nations proved to be an entertaining battle, with both sides creating chances throughout. Angola, who secured third place in the previous AFCON edition under coach Hugo Broos, proved a formidable opponent, but South Africa ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a late strike from Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
Appollis Opens the Scoring
The scoring began in the 25th minute when Foster’s clever dummy in the Angola box set up Oswin Appollis, who cut inside and unleashed a powerful finish into the bottom corner to put South Africa ahead. Foster had come close himself in the opening ten minutes, but his header was expertly saved by Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Angola responded with determination, testing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams on multiple occasions. Their efforts paid off ten minutes before halftime when midfielder Show, marking his 50th international appearance, converted a well-placed finish at the near post following a corner to level the scores.
Second-Half Drama
Bafana Bafana made key adjustments at the break, introducing Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi for Mohau Nkota. Moremi’s debut proved lively, as he raced behind Angola’s defence and fired into the bottom corner, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Shortly after, Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close to scoring, his powerful strike rattling the woodwork.
Despite Angola applying pressure in the second half, South Africa’s defence held firm. The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. Foster, receiving a lay-off from Moremi at the edge of the area, curled a spectacular shot into the top corner, sending Bafana Bafana ahead once more. Angola pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not breach South Africa’s defensive resilience.
Debuts and Bright Spots
Several players made their AFCON debuts for South Africa, including Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, and Foster. Foster’s impact was immediate, highlighting his potential to be a key player for Hugo Broos’ side in Morocco.
Looking Ahead
The victory gives South Africa a strong start in Group B, where they face further challenges to secure progression to the knockout phase. The team now carries momentum and confidence, while Angola will aim to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
The AFCON tournament, which kicked off unusually during the festive season, continues to provide excitement for football fans across the continent, with a full slate of fixtures set to resume after a brief Christmas break.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Burkina Faso v Equatorial Guinea | 12:30 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
Algeria v Sudan | 3:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat
Ivory Coast v Mozambique | 5:30 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
Cameroon v Gabon | 8:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir
Thursday, December 25, 2025
No fixtures – Christmas break
Friday, December 26, 2025
Egypt v South Africa | 8:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir
Zambia v Comoros | 12:30 PM | Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Morocco v Mali | 3:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Nigeria v Tunisia | 5:30 PM | Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès
Senegal v DR Congo | 8:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tanger
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Equatorial Guinea v Sudan | 12:30 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
Gabon v Mozambique | 3:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir
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