Burnley forward Lyle Foster emerged as the hero for South Africa, scoring a decisive late goal to secure a winning start in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Dramatic Finish Seals Victory
In a tense Group B encounter on Monday, South Africa clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola. The match, which took place on 22 December 2025, saw South Africa take an early lead before being pegged back, only for Foster to deliver a crucial intervention in the closing stages.
The opening goal arrived in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis found the net, giving Bafana Bafana a deserved advantage. However, Angola demonstrated their resilience, drawing level fourteen minutes later. The equaliser came from midfielder Show, who ensured the teams went into the break on level terms.
Foster's Premier League Quality Shines
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Lyle Foster showcased the predatory instincts that have made him a key figure for Burnley in the Premier League. With just 11 minutes remaining on the clock, the striker found the back of the net to snatch all three points for his nation.
This vital win gives South Africa a perfect start in a challenging group. They share Group B with footballing heavyweights Egypt, led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, and neighbours Zimbabwe. The result immediately puts pressure on their rivals and provides a significant confidence boost for the South African squad.
Implications for the Tournament
Securing an opening victory is often critical in tournament football, and Foster's late strike has perfectly positioned South Africa in the race for knockout stage qualification. The team's ability to grind out a result, spearheaded by their Premier League talent, marks them as a side capable of navigating a tough group.
The focus now shifts to their next fixture, where they will look to build on this momentum. For Angola, it's a case of regrouping quickly in a group where every point will be fiercely contested.
