Sport|Africa Cup of NationsFoster scores late goal as South Africa defeat Angola in their AFCON openerLyle Foster’s match-winning 79th-minute strike allowed South Africa to win first opening match at AFCON since 2004.
## Match Outcome: South Africa vs. Angola
Match Outcome: South Africa vs. Angola
On Mon, Dec 22, 2025, South Africa secured a 2-1 victory over Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations Group B match held in Marrakesh. This marks the first time in 21 years that South Africa has won their opening match in the continental finals.
South Africa initially took the lead at 21 minutes through a goal by Oswin Appollis. Angola equalized before halftime with a goal from Show, redirecting Fredy's free kick. The decisive goal came at 79 minutes when Lyle Foster scored from 20 yards out.
This match demonstrated South Africa's effective team strategy under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, despite having fewer players in top European leagues compared to their opponents.
The first half saw South Africa leading after a period of dominant possession, culminating in Appollis's goal. Angola equalized at 35 minutes when Show turned Fredy's low free kick into the net. South Africa had a potential goal disallowed due to an offside call, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi hit the crossbar before Foster secured the win.
On Mon, Dec 22, 2025, South Africa secured a 2-1 victory over Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations Group B match held in Marrakesh.
In a Group A match on the same day, Zambia drew 1-1 with Mali in Casablanca. Zambia's Patson Daka scored a diving header in stoppage time to equalize. Mali initially led through Lassine Sinayoko's goal after a missed penalty by El Bilal Toure.
South Africa’s Oswin Appollis scores the opening goal of the match in the 21st minute.
Zambia’s forward Patson Daka celebrates scoring his team’s equalising goal in the 90th minute against Mali at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
