south-africa
By Bolatito Mercy
South Africa kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 win over Angola, thanks to goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. Appollis opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a neat finish, catching Angola’s defense off guard. The young midfielder’s goal set the tone for the match, and South Africa looked poised to control the game.
However, Angola equalized in the 35th minute through Show’s clever touch on Fredy’s free kick. The ball was played in from the left, and Show skillfully directed it past South Africa’s goalkeeper, leveling the score.
The winning moment came in the 79th minute when Foster was teed up 20 meters from goal and curled his shot into the top corner, securing a crucial victory for South Africa. Foster’s goal was a testament to his quality, and it showcased his ability to deliver in big moments.
This win marks South Africa’s first opening match victory in 21 years, and it’s a significant boost for the team’s morale. Coach Hugo Broos praised his team’s performance, saying they were “a well-oiled machine”. Foster, who plays for Burnley in the Premier League, was instrumental in South Africa’s win, scoring the winning goal and providing the assist for Appollis’ opener.
The victory puts South Africa in a strong position heading into their next match against Egypt. The team will look to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.
