The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Burnley striker Lyle Foster unleashed a sensational curling strike from 20 yards out, picking out the top-right corner and sparking wild celebrations among the South African faithful.
A Fast Start and an Angolan Fightback
South Africa began the match with intent, looking to erase the memories of their 2023 opening-day defeat to Mali. Their persistence was rewarded in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis pounced on a loose ball following a Khuliso Mudau cross, slotting it home to give Hugo Broos’ men an early lead.
However, Angola—affectionately known as the Palancas Negras—refused to roll over. In the 35th minute, midfielder Show capitalized on a pinpoint free-kick from captain Fredy, poking the ball home at the near post to level the score.
VAR Drama and Foster’s Heroics
The second half was a tense affair, dominated by tactical shifts and a controversial VAR intervention. Shortly after the restart, substitute Tshepang Moremi appeared to have restored South Africa’s lead with a powerful low drive. However, a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out, citing Lyle Foster as being in an offside position during the buildup.
Bafana Bafana refused to be deterred. Moments after defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi rattled the crossbar with a 35-yard thunderbolt, Foster took matters into his own hands. Receiving the ball in space outside the penalty area, the Premier League striker took one touch before curling a "peach" of a shot beyond the outstretched arm of Angolan goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Ending the 21-Year Wait
This victory is a significant milestone for South African football. Bafana Bafana had not won their opening match at an AFCON tournament since 2004, when they defeated Benin 2-0. Since then, they had recorded a string of draws and defeats in their curtain-raisers.
Key Match Stats:
• Possession: South Africa 54% - 46% Angola
• Shots on Target: South Africa 5 - 3 Angola
• Yellow Cards: 3 (RSA), 2 (ANG)
What’s Next?
The win puts South Africa at the top of Group B alongside Egypt, who also secured a late 2-1 win over Zimbabwe. Bafana Bafana will now turn their attention to a massive clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt this Friday, a match that could determine who finishes top of the group.
For Angola, the performance remains encouraging, and they will look to bounce back when they face Zimbabwe in their second group game.