Lyle Foster was the hero as South Africa narrowly edged out Angola 2-1 in an absorbing encounter in Marrakesh as both sides opened their Group B campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Burnley striker Foster, who missed the previous Afcon after taking time out for his mental health, curled home in fine style from the edge of the box in the 79th minute to settle a hard-fought game.
Seeking to build on their third-place finish at the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast, South Africa took the lead midway through the first half when Oswin Appollis showed good composure to pounce on a loose ball before finding the bottom left-hand corner.
Having also impressed when reaching the quarter-finals at the previous tournament, Angola levelled 10 minutes before the break as Show stylishly flicked home Fredy's free-kick, rewarding their spirited response to going behind.
But moments after blazing over, Foster settled the encounter to ensure South Africa maintained their record of having never lost to their fellow southern Africans at Afcon.
The 25-year-old's winner atoned for his role in Tshepang Moreri's fine strike early in the second half being ruled out, with Foster caught offside in the build-up.
South Africa travel to Agadir for their next game against Egypt on Friday, with Angola taking on Zimbabwe in Marrakesh.
BBC