Foster Eager To Seize AFCON Opportunity After Missing Last Tournament
Bafana Bafana hero Lyle Foster says he is determined to make the most of his opportunities after missing the previous Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
Foster was absent from last year’s AFCON, where Bafana Bafana claimed the bronze medal, after stepping away from football due to mental health challenges at his club, Burnley.
The striker was granted time off by the Premier League side, which resulted in him sacrificing his place in the national team, with head coach Hugo Broos opting to lead the line with Evidence Makgopa during the tournament.
Making his AFCON debut, Foster announced himself in style on Monday by scoring the winning goal as Bafana opened their 2025 AFCON campaign with a victory over Angola. His superb curling strike in the 79th minute secured a 2-1 win and marked South Africa’s first opening-match victory at the continental showpiece in 21 years.
Bafana will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering clash against Egypt at Stade de Agadir on Friday (17:00). A win would go a long way in cementing their place at the top of Group B and securing qualification for the knockout stages.
“Obviously, for me, I’m honoured and proud to be here at the AFCON,” Foster said at a press conference on Thursday. “I missed the last one and now I’m trying to impose myself as much as possible.
“But I also understand the competition. We are a team, and the most important thing is for us to gel together first and see where I can help.”
While Bafana edged Angola 2-1, Egypt also collected maximum points after defeating Zimbabwe by the same scoreline, leaving both sides level at the top of Group B with three points.
Having scored the winner against Palancas Negras, Foster is naturally buoyant ahead of the showdown with the record AFCON champions.
“I think naturally, when you score a winning goal, you feel very good,” said Foster, who is expected to lead the attack against Egypt.
“But most importantly, the three points are what matter. Personally, I’m very happy with the goal, but now the focus is on carrying on from there.
“I want to have similar moments through consistent performances and make sure that, as a team and as individuals, we give ourselves the best possible opportunity to do well in this tournament.
“Being in camp for a while now, the confidence is definitely coming through.”
