Appollis, Foster get Bafana off the mark

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Goals from Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis and Burnley striker Lyle Foster earned Bafana Bafana a 2-1 win against Angola in their opening clash of the African Cup of Nations.

South Africa began on the front foot and nearly struck early when Foster powered a header goalwards, only for Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques to react sharply and keep the effort out. The pressure told soon after, as Appollis opened the scoring with a composed finish inside the box, guiding the ball into the bottom-left corner after a strong attacking move.

Angola responded with increased urgency and forced Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into action, producing an excellent save to deny Gelson Dala. The Palancas Negras found their equaliser through midfielder Fredy, who met a set-piece delivery and steered the ball past Williams to level matters.

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That goal shifted momentum, with Angola enjoying a dominant spell of possession late in the first half. South Africa were forced onto the back foot as Angola finished the opening period looking the more assertive side.

The second half, however, belonged to Bafana Bafana. Broos’ side regained composure and began to control the tempo, moving the ball with greater purpose through midfield. Tshepang Moremi thought he had restored South Africa’s lead after breaking through the defence and finishing calmly, but the goal was disallowed after Foster was ruled offside in the build-up.

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The pressure continued to mount. Chicago Fire-bound defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came close just after the hour mark, unleashing a long-range strike that rattled the crossbar. Angola struggled to contain South Africa’s sustained attacks as the match entered its final stages.

The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Foster collected possession outside the penalty area, shifted the ball onto his right foot, and curled a superb effort into the right corner. Marques was left with no chance as the shot nestled into the net.

The win marked a positive milestone for Broos in his 50th match in charge, lifting Bafana Bafana to the top of Group B. South Africa now turn their focus to a crucial clash against Egypt on 26 December, while Angola will look to respond when they face Zimbabwe in their next outing.

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

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Dylan Johnson