South Africa began their 2025 African Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Angola on Monday, SportPremi Reports.
Bafana Bafana took the lead in the first half through Oswin Appollis, but were pegged back almost immediately by a goal from Show.
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Lyle Foster scored the winner later in the game, after South Africa had a goal ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee, to give them the perfect start they had hoped for.
Hugo Broos’ men top group B ahead of the remaining group game between Egypt and Zimbabwe later in the day.
First half: Appollis gives South Africa early advantage, Show equalizes for Angola
Both teams went into the opening group B clash at the Stade de Marrakech, eyeing maximum points to begin their campaign.
Gelson Dala had the first chance of the game for Angola, but was denied by a fine save from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Despite Angola having the better chances, it was Bafana Bafana who took the lead in the 21st minute when Appollis fired home past Marques.
However, the Black Antelopes hit back in the 35th minute as Show converted a cross from Fredy to make the scoreline 1-1.
Second half: Foster nets winner for South Africa
South Africa began the second half as the better side and soon grabbed their goal through Teboho Mokoena.
However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for offside, making it the first disallowed goal of the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Mbokazi then beat Marques in the Angola goal, but his rifled effort struck the crossbar.
Foster, who had provided the assist for the opener, then scored his side’s second in the 79th minute.
The goal proved to be the winner as Bafana Bafana started their campaign on a winning note.
Players Ratings
South Africa Players Ratings:
- Williams – 7.5
- Mudau – 7.1
- Ngezana – 6.4
- Mbokazi – 7.3
- Modiba – 7.2
- Sithole – 6.6
- Mokoena – 7.3
- Nkota – 6.4
- Mbule – 6.8
- Appollis – 7.8
- Foster – 8.4
Substitutes
- Moremi – 7.1
- Mokwana – 5.9
- Aubaas – 5.9
Angola Players Ratings:
- Marques – 5.2
- Carneiro – 6.2
- Buatu – 5.8
- Gaspar – 6.2
- Mata – 6.6
- Show – 7.2
- Dala – 6.4
- Fredy – 7.4
- Maestro – 6.2
- Luvumbo – 6.1
- Nzola – 6.7
Substitutes
- Mabululu – 6.1
- Milson – 6.2
Man of the match
Lyle Foster (8.4/10) – The forward led from the front as South Africa claimed a much-needed win to kickstart their campaign. He provided the assist for the opening goal and netted the winner to lead his side to maximum points in the clash.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: South Africa 58% – 42% Angola
Total Shots: South Africa 10 – 10 Angola
Shots on target: South Africa 4 – 4 Angola
Pass Accuracy: South Africa 85% – 80% Angola
Corners: South Africa 1 – 9 Angola
What Next?
South Africa face a tough test in their second group match, but could seal qualification for the knockout rounds when they go up against Egypt next Friday at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Angola, meanwhile, return to the Stade de Marrakech to face Zimbabwe in their second group game, hoping to record their first win of the tournament.
