AFCON: Foster fires late winner as South Africa survive Angola scare

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

South Africa launched their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola, overcoming VAR controversy, spirited resistance and late pressure to secure maximum points in their Group opener.

Hugo Broos’ side set the tone early, dominating possession and pushing Angola deep with crisp passing and energetic movement.

Their early control was rewarded in the 21st minute when Oswin Appollis reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, calmly slotting home to give South Africa a deserved lead.

Angola weathered the early storm and gradually grew into the contest, exploiting set pieces and moments of transition.

Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Fredy delivered a perfectly weighted free kick into the area, allowing Show to ghost into space and guide a composed finish into the bottom corner to level the score.

The first half ended finely balanced, with South Africa still controlling the ball but Angola looking increasingly dangerous on the break.

After the restart, the match exploded into life amid controversy and drama.

South Africa thought they had regained the lead early in the second half when Tshepang Moremi unleashed a stunning strike, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort offside, cutting short celebrations inside the stadium.

Undeterred, the Bafana Bafana continued to press, rattling the crossbar through Mbekezile Mbokazi and forcing Angola onto the back foot.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. After a slick exchange on the edge of the area, Tshepang Moremi slipped a precise pass to Lyle Foster, who showed composure and quality to pick out the right corner with a clinical finish, restoring South Africa’s advantage at 2–1.

Angola threw everything forward in the closing stages, introducing fresh attackers and piling pressure through corners and long balls.

South Africa’s defence, marshalled confidently by Ronwen Williams, held firm, repelling a flurry of late deliveries and managing the game expertly in stoppage time.