Afcon 2025: South Africa 2-1 Angola – Lyle Foster scores winner for Bafana Bafana

Group B is the only pool at the finals in Morocco to feature two teams heading to next year’s Fifa World Cup, where South Africa will be joined by record seven-time African champions Egypt, who play Zimbabwe later on Monday (20:00 GMT).

Coach Hugo Broos, who lifted the Afcon trophy with Cameroon in 2017, has revitalised Bafana Bafana since taking charge in 2021 and has openly said he is seeking to go at least one better and make the final at this edition.

In contrast, Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle – heavily critical of world governing body Fifa’s decision to order clubs to release players only one week before this tournament – has barely been in his role for three months, but watched his side take the game to their opponents in impressive style.

The Palancas Negras started well, with Gelson Dala going close with two headers and midfielder Fredy’s fine volley well blocked by the South Africa defence.

Yet Angola also rode their luck at times, not only with the disallowed goal but also when Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi cannoned a strike against the crossbar from distance shortly after.

In the end it was Foster, who has been a key player for Scott Parker’s Burnley over the past two seasons without being prolific, who settled the game with his fine curling effort from distance.