Marrakech, Morocco – South Africa secured a place in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 3 2 victory over Zimbabwe at Stade de Marrakech on Monday night, sealing qualification from Group B alongside Egypt.
The result saw Bafana Bafana finish second in the group with six points, while Zimbabwe and Angola bowed out of the tournament. Egypt topped the group on seven points following a goalless draw with Angola earlier in the day.
South Africa moved ahead inside the opening minutes when Tshepang Moremi struck early, his effort taking a deflection that wrong footed Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi. The early goal set the tone for a lively contest as Hugo Broos’ side pressed forward with confidence.
Zimbabwe responded in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise, who weaved past defenders before sending a low shot beyond Ronwen Williams to bring the Warriors level. The teams went into the break tied at 1 1 after Arubi produced a crucial save to deny Sipho Mbule from distance.
The second half began with another twist as South Africa regained the lead in the 50th minute. A defensive mix up between Divine Lunga and Arubi allowed Lyle Foster to nod the ball into an empty net, marking his second goal of the tournament.
Zimbabwe refused to fade and were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Maswanhise’s effort was saved before ricocheting off Aubrey Modiba into the South African net for an own goal, restoring parity and setting up a dramatic finish.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute after Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball inside the box. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending Arubi the wrong way to put South Africa ahead for the third time.
Despite late pressure from the Warriors, including efforts from substitute Macauley Bonne, South Africa held firm to protect their lead until the final whistle.
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