Chiefs and Bafana legend Khune lauds star ‘for bleeding & taking one’ at AFCON

Bafana Bafana finished second in Group B to make the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16.

South Africa started their campaign with a hard fought 2-1 win over Angola before controversially falling by a solitary goal to the seven-time champions Egypt. The 1996 winners then managed to get a narrow 3-2 win against The Warriors of Zimbabwe in their final pool fixture.

One of the players who has been outstanding is Burnley striker Lyle Foster. The Orlando Pirates product has two goals and as many assists in the three AFCON outings.

His most recent goal came in the victory over Zimbabwe that ensured they got an automatic ticket for the next phase. He almost collided with goalkeeper Washington Arubi as he chased a loose ball by Devine Lunga who had intended to head it back to his custodian.

Khune lauds Foster for his influence

Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa legend Itumeleng Khune has lauded the Burnley striker for his commitment to the national team, and hunger to push the team forward.

“We rely on him as number nine, he showed his bravery with his second goal when he went one on one with the goalkeeper,” the 38-year-old former goalkeeper said in his analysis on SABC Sport.

“The referees always protect the goalkeepers inside the box, but he won the ball, and it went to the back of the net.

“It’s something we want to see when the strikers are inside the box. They must show hunger and the will to score.

“He did show that he plays in the European league where they are very physical. He was even bleeding, and he took one for the team,” he concluded.

South Africa will now face Cameroon in their next outing in the Last 16 set for Saturday.