Bafana star Foster gets Palacios’ backing after win

Foster

Cape Town – Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has defended Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster after some fans criticised him for missing the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Foster, who scored the winning goal in Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Angola in the 2025 AFCON opener and earned man-of-the-match, had taken a break from football in late 2023 to address mental health issues, which coincided with the previous tournament.

According to IOL, Palacios, who trained Foster at his academy, urged South Africans to support players regardless of form, highlighting Foster’s professionalism and contribution to the team.

“Sometimes people criticise and put the players’ morale down. It is happening with Lyle Foster,” the report quoted Palacios as telling KickOff.

AFRICA PICKS: GET ALL THE LATEST SOCCER ODDS

“When everyone played for the country [on Monday], he contributed to the win.

“He never complained or answered negatively. It’s important to support every player, scoring or not scoring, performing or not performing. Players are not doing things on purpose – everyone tries their best. It’s very important to motivate everyone because the country is important.”

He emphasised that criticism can affect both players and their families, praising the support Foster has received from teammates, the technical staff, and SAFA.

This comes as Bafana Bafana are set to head into their AFCON Group B clash against Egypt with confidence after a strong 2–1 opening win over Angola, highlighted by clinical finishing from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

The victory has eased pressure on coach Hugo Broos’ side and already marks an improvement on their previous AFCON campaign, where they lost their opener.

Foster, who assisted Appollis before scoring himself and earning Man of the Match, said he is focused on continuing to take his chances despite fine margins, The Citizen reported.

“With the chance just before I hesitated a bit with the pressure (they were applying),” the report quoted Foster as saying.

“For the second chance I did well to win the ball back, then I got the ball at my feet. I wanted to score, I told myself to put it there. And thank God, luck was on my side. I will keep trying, not everyone will go in, but if I can at least get one or two (in each game).”

Egypt, who also won 2–1 against Zimbabwe, are expected to provide a tougher test in Friday’s showdown.

Article written by