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Burnley striker Lyle Foster scored an 79th-minute winner as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in Marrakesh on Monday, securing their first opening-match victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in 21 years.
The win ended a long-standing drought for Bafana Bafana, who had failed to win their opening fixture since a 2-0 victory over Benin at the 2004 tournament. Since then, South Africa had drawn two and lost four AFCON opening matches.
The Group B encounter unfolded in three distinct phases, with South Africa starting brightly before Angola took control late in the first half. Hugo Broos’ side, however, regained dominance after the interval and were rewarded with Foster’s decisive strike.
South Africa took the lead in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis finished calmly after latching onto a Khuliso Mudau cross, beating veteran goalkeeper Hugo Marques with a low shot into the corner.
Angola responded strongly, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams forced into several key saves, including a superb point-blank stop from a Gelson Dala header. The pressure paid off in the 35th minute when Show equalised, steering home a low free-kick delivery after a lapse in South Africa’s defensive discipline.
Tempers flared as the first half progressed, with the Sudanese referee booking players from both sides before the break. Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle appeared the more satisfied at half-time, with his side finishing the half on top.
South Africa thought they had reclaimed the lead early in the second half when substitute Tshepang Moremi found the net, but celebrations were cut short following a VAR review that ruled Foster marginally offside in the build-up.
Bafana Bafana continued to press, hitting the crossbar through centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi and creating several openings as they grew increasingly dominant.
Foster, who had earlier missed a clear chance, made amends in the 79th minute with a clinical strike from the edge of the box that left Marques with no chance. The goal, his fourth in six matches, sealed maximum points for South Africa.
In the same Group B later on Monday, Egypt, captained by Mohamed Salah, were scheduled to face Zimbabwe in Agadir.