Lyle Foster struck the decisive goal as South Africa claimed a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Angola to begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a positive note on Monday.
The win ended Bafana Bafana’s six-match winless run against the Palancas Negras, who had recorded three wins and three draws in their previous meetings since a 2015 World Cup qualifying clash.
South Africa took the lead in Marrakech in the 21st minute through Oswin Appollis, whose low effort found the inside of the left post. Angola responded before the interval when midfielder Show turned Fredy’s wide free kick into the net at the near post.
The contest grew tense late in the first half following a foul by Aubrey Modiba that sparked heated exchanges between both sides.
After the break, Tshepang Moremi appeared to have restored South Africa’s lead with a superb finish, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi then came close with a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar as Bafana Bafana continued to press.
Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle attempted to inject fresh attacking energy by introducing Mabululu and Milson in the 76th minute, but it was South Africa who found the breakthrough.
Foster sealed the win three minutes later, bending a fine effort past goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Elsewhere, seven-time champions Egypt were set to open their tournament later in the day against Zimbabwe in Agadir, with the Pharaohs aiming for a record-extending eighth title and Mohamed Salah hoping to finally lift the continent’s biggest prize.
