Foster and Appollis Shine as Bafana Bafana Break 21-Year Opening Hoodoo
South Africa’s AFCON 2025 campaign got off to a dream start on Monday evening as a tactical masterclass and two moments of individual brilliance secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola at the Stade de Marrakech.
The win marks a historic milestone for Hugo Broos’ men, being the first time Bafana Bafana have won their opening match at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 21 years.
Appollis Justifies the Hype
After being highlighted as the “player to watch” in many pre-tournament guides, Oswin Appollis needed only 21 minutes to prove why. Following a period of sustained pressure, the winger showed incredible composure inside the box, dancing past two Angolan defenders before slotting a clinical low drive into the bottom corner.
The goal rewarded South Africa’s early dominance, but the lead was short-lived. Angola, the “Palancas Negras,” grew into the game and equalized in the 35th minute when Show cleverly flicked a Fredy free-kick past Ronwen Williams at the near post.
The Foster Masterclass
The second half was a tense affair, with VAR taking center stage. Substitute Tshepang Moremi thought he had restored the lead early in the half, only for the goal to be overturned after a review found Lyle Foster offside in the build-up.
However, Foster would not be denied his moment. In the 79th minute, the Burnley striker showcased his Premier League pedigree. After Bafana won possession high up the pitch, Foster was teed up 20 yards out and unleashed a sumptuous curling strike into the top corner, leaving Hugo Marques with no chance.
A New Chapter for Bafana
Despite a late surge from Angola, the South African defense—anchored by the ever-reliable Ronwen Williams—held firm to secure the three points.
The victory puts South Africa at the top of Group B and sets a massive tone for the rest of the tournament. More importantly, it breaks a curse of opening-day draws and defeats that has plagued the nation since 2004.
Match Info
Detail Score
South Africa 2 – 1 Angola
Scorers (RSA)
Oswin Appollis (21′), Lyle Foster (79′)Scorer (ANG)Show (35′)
Next Fixturevs Egypt (Friday, Dec 26)
