A moment of brilliance from Burnley striker Lyle Foster sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for South Africa over Angola, launching their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a critical three points in Marrakesh on Monday. His sensational 79th-minute goal from outside the box broke a tense deadlock and ended Bafana Bafana's 21-year drought of failing to win an opening match at the continental tournament.

This victory is more than just a win; it's a statement of intent for a South African side aiming to build on their third-place finish in the previous tournament. For a team looking to solidify its credentials ahead of the 2026 World Cup, starting the tournament on a high note provides a vital psychological boost and sets a positive course in a competitive Group B.

An Evenly Matched Battle

The match began with South Africa seizing the initiative. Oswin Appollis demonstrated slick footwork in the penalty area to fire his team ahead in the 21st minute with a crisp low shot. However, the lead was short-lived. Angola, unfazed, grew into the game and found their reward when midfielder Show cleverly deflected a Fredy free-kick into the net in the 35th minute, marking his 50th international appearance with a goal.

The second half saw a more aggressive South African side emerge. Their persistence was nearly rewarded when substitute Tshepang Moremi found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for an offside in the build-up involving Foster. Moments later, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi rattled the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort, signaling Bafana Bafana's determination to find a winner.

Foster's Decisive Strike

Just when a draw seemed likely, Lyle Foster, the only South African in the squad playing in one of Europe's top five leagues, produced the game's defining moment. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, he unleashed a curling, unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net, leaving Angolan goalkeeper Hugo Marques with no chance. The strike not only secured the victory but also atoned for an earlier miss, underscoring his Premier League class.

• Final Score: South Africa 2 - 1 Angola
• Scorers (RSA): Oswin Appollis (21'), Lyle Foster (79')
• Scorer (ANG): Show (35')
• Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Morocco

While South Africa celebrated a crucial win, Angolan coach Patrice Beaumelle will likely feel his team deserved something from the spirited encounter. The Palancas Negras created several chances and will look to bounce back in their next group fixture. For South Africa, the path forward is clear: build on this momentum. As coach Hugo Broos noted, this workmanlike performance is a solid foundation for their ambitions in the tournament.