FOSTER’S MAGIC STRIKE SEALS BAFANA’S FIRST AFCON OPENER WIN IN 21 YEARS

South Africa made a statement at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, edging Angola 2-1 in a thrilling Group B opener in Marrakesh that had fans on the edge of their seats.

It was a game full of twists, momentum swings, and a moment of pure class from Lyle Foster that ultimately delivered all three points for Bafana Bafana.

The encounter kicked off with real energy. South Africa struck first in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis coolly finished from close range after good build-up play, putting the bronze medallists from the last AFCON in the lead.

But Angola didn’t sit back. They grew into the game and were rewarded just before halftime when Show converted a low free-kick to make it 1-1.

The second half saw chances at both ends and plenty of drama. South Africa thought they had regained the lead through Tshepang Moremi, but VAR intervened and chalked the goal off for a marginal offside. With the clock ticking down and tensions rising, it looked like the spoils might be shared until Foster stepped up.

In the 79th minute, the Burnley forward, whose performance was praised as a blend of calm and maturity, curled a sensational effort from outside the box into the top corner, leaving Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques with no chance and sending the South African bench into raptures. It was the decisive moment in a match that’ll live long in the memory of fans.

Image credit: Daily Maverick