Angola subs sink 10-man South Sudan in Afcon qualifier

Angola secured a 2-0 victory over South Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with substitutions proving crucial in the Group B match. Defender Geriga Atendele was sent off three minutes into the second half after head-butting Pedro Bondo, who had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Angola's coach, Aliou Cisse, who led Senegal to the 2022 Afcon title, made six substitutions, exceeding the normal allowance due to Bondo's concussion.

Junior Sambu, Gilberto, and Banza from Angola constantly sought openings in South Sudan's packed defence. Banza scored the first goal in the 92nd minute, despite the South Sudanese disputing it as offside. Miro sealed the win with a tap-in in the 98th minute, following a brilliant dribble by Zito Luvumbo. This win lifted Angola to seven points, tying them with seven-time Afcon champions Egypt on points, but behind on goal difference.

South Sudan remain without a point ahead of their return match against Angola in Juba on Tuesday. Togo narrowly defeated Algeria 1-0, while Zambia, the 2012 shock winners, and Burundi secured three and two points respectively. Uganda and Botswana's match ended in a 1-1 draw. The tournament continues with more matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.