The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continued on Monday with Group B action, as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in their opening match, while Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe by the same scoreline.

The encounter between South Africa and Angola was keenly contested, but it was Bafana Bafana who opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Khuliso Mudau delivered a cross into the box for Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who intelligently left the ball for Oswin Appollis to slot home from close range. Angola responded before the break through Show, who produced a superb sliding finish from Fredy’s free-kick to ensure the sides went into halftime level.

VAR disappointment and Foster magic

South Africa thought they had regained the lead six minutes after the restart when substitute Tshepang Moremi fired an excellent left-footed strike past Hugo Marques. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review, which determined that Lyle Foster had interfered with play from an offside position.

Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Foster curled a delightful effort past Marques in the 79th minute to seal the victory for South Africa.

In the other Group B fixture, Zimbabwe stunned Egypt after Young Africans striker Prince Dube slotted home the opener with a fine strike inside the North Africans’ penalty box in the 20th minute. The Warriors held on to their lead and went into the halftime break ahead.

Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, came out strongly in the second half and drew level in the 64th minute through Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Mohamed Salah struck in the 91st minute to secure all three points for the Pharaohs and become the first Egyptian to score in five consecutive AFCON tournaments.

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