South Africa Ends Two-Decade AFCON Opening Match Drought with Thrilling Win

Lyle Foster’s impressive long-range strike in the 79th minute clinched a 2-1 victory for South africa over Angola,marking their first opening game triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations sence 2004.

south Africa’s Resilient Performance in Marrakesh

in a gripping Group B encounter hosted in Marrakesh, South Africa secured a hard-earned win against Angola thanks to Foster’s decisive goal from outside the box. This result ended a 21-year wait for an opening match victory at AFCON finals for the south African team.

The contest was fiercely competitive,with south africa hitting the woodwork and having another goal disallowed by VAR. Angola also created several dangerous chances and will regret missed opportunities that could have earned them a valuable point.

opening Goals Set Momentum

The scoring began on 21 minutes when Oswin Appollis demonstrated excellent control inside the penalty area, skillfully evading defenders before calmly finishing into the bottom corner after sustained pressure and an accurate cross from Khuliso Mudau.This goal reflected South Africa’s patient and methodical buildup during much of the first half.

Angola responded just before halftime through Show, who converted Fredy’s precise free kick to level the score at 1-1. This marked Show’s second international goal on his landmark 50th cap for his country.

VAR controversy and Near Misses Define Second Half

Soon after halftime, substitute Tshepang Moremi appeared to give South Africa the lead with a composed finish after beating his marker; however, VAR ruled out this effort due to an offside involving Foster earlier in that sequence, nullifying what would have been a crucial second goal.

The visitors nearly seized control when Mbekezeli Mbokazi unleashed an enterprising shot from nearly 35 yards that struck the crossbar but failed to find its target. Ultimately it was Foster who delivered late drama by curling home from around twenty yards into the top corner-showcasing clinical precision under immense pressure.

A United Front Despite Limited European experience

This victory is especially impressive considering that unlike many othre teams featuring numerous players active in top European leagues, South Africa fielded only one Premier League player-Foster himself representing Burnley. Under Belgian coach Hugo Broos’ leadership, they operated as a cohesive unit capable of grinding out results against tough opponents.

The win positions them strongly within Group B as they prepare for challenging fixtures against Egypt and Zimbabwe later this week-both expected to be intense battles vying for progression spots into knockout stages.

Oswin Appollis celebrates after netting South Africa’s opener during their AFCON group stage match [Themba Hadebe/AP]

Zambia Snatches Dramatic Late Draw Against Mali With Last-Minute Header

An earlier Group A fixture saw Zambia secure an exhilarating stoppage-time equalizer versus Mali at Casablanca’s Mohammed V stadium.Patson Daka soared highest to meet Mathews Banda’s curling delivery with a diving header two minutes into added time-earning Zambia a crucial point after trailing most of the match.

Mali dominated large portions of play but were punished due to defensive lapses late on. Lassine Sinayoko had put Mali ahead midway through the second half following some sloppy defending; meanwhile El Bilal Toure missed an earlier penalty attempt which might have extended their advantage during first-half action.

Zambia striker Patson Daka reacts jubilantly after scoring his team’s equalizer against Mali [Abdel majid Bziouat/AFP]