South Africa v Angola live: Lyle Foster seals winner for Bafana Bafana in Africa Cup of Nations opener | OneFootball

(AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a fine start with a 2-1 win over Angola in Group B.

The two sides were evenly balanced in an entertaining tussle in Marrakesh, but Hugo Broos’ side - who won the third-place play-off in the most recent edition of the tournament - came out on top courtesy of a 79th-minute winner from Burnley’s Lyle Foster, who curled a peach of a shot past beaten keeper Hugo Marques.

Oswin Appollis opened the scoring in the 25th minute, but Angola revived after going behind and midfielder Show pulled one back on his 50th appearance, turning in a corner just ten minutes later.

Substitute Tshepang Moremi had a goal ruled out for offside but the Bafana Bafana took a deserved lead late in the second half through Foster, and hung on despite a late Angola fightback to win their first opening game at Afcon in 21 years.

Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four years

The Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years instead of two from 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.

The tournament has traditionally been held biennially since its inception in 1957. The surprise announcement was made on the eve of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.

It follows a meeting of the CAF executive committee in Rabat, with president Patrice Motsepe announcing the major change in a press conference in Rabat.

Flo Clifford22 December 2025 20:00

Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?

The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco on Sunday 21 December, with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to be played on Sunday 18 January - far earlier than when held at this time of the calendar than in previous years.

The 35th edition of the biennial tournament was initially set to be played in July and August 2025, in order to reduce disruption with the European football season.

But the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is, once again, a talking point - which is unfair to the tournament itself as it becomes squeezed by club football’s endless expansion.

Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?

The expansion of the Club World Cup and Champions League means Afcon will be played over Christmas and the New Year period for the first time.

FULL-TIME: South Africa 2-1 Angola

Jubilation for South Africa but despair for Angola, who largely played well and will be gutted not to have taken a point here.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Flo Clifford22 December 2025 19:05

South Africa 2-1 Angola

‘90+4: Angola win a corner, which is eventually taken after the referee gives everyone an earful again.

It goes out for a goal kick.

Flo Clifford22 December 2025 18:58