Afcon 2025: South Africa book knockout spot in five-goal Group B clash over Zimbabwe

South Africa secured qualification for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3-2 win over Zimbabwe in Marrakech, sealing second place in Group B, Sport360NG reports.

Oswin Appollis’ late penalty proved decisive in a contest that swung repeatedly, with Bafana Bafana finishing behind group winners Egypt, who earlier drew 0-0 with Angola. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, bowed out in fourth place.

Hugo Broos’ side made an early breakthrough, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi’s effort deflected off Divine Lunga and looped over Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

The Warriors responded with a moment of quality as Tawanda Maswanhise weaved past his marker before curling a superb strike into the bottom corner to level the score.

The tempo increased after the break and South Africa regained the advantage five minutes into the second half. Burnley forward Lyle Foster reacted quickest to a loose back header, beating Arubi to the ball to nod home his second goal of the group stage.

Zimbabwe refused to fade and were rewarded for their persistence following a triple substitution. A save from Ronwen Williams ricocheted off defender Aubrey Modiba and into the net, restoring parity in unfortunate fashion for the South Africans.

The decisive moment arrived late on when Appollis converted from the penalty spot after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball following a VAR review.

South Africa will now face the runners-up from Group F, Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique, in Rabat on Sunday (19:00 GMT). Zimbabwe remain without a knockout-stage appearance in six Afcon tournaments.

South Africa capitalise on key moments

The match was defined more by momentum shifts and decisive moments than prolonged control, with South Africa proving more clinical in critical situations.

Seeking a response after a narrow defeat by Egypt, and following a 2-1 opening win over Angola, Broos’ side again found goals through pressure and capitalisation on errors rather than sustained attacking dominance. Foster’s header came with Arubi slow to react, while Nakamba’s handball stemmed from poor positioning.

In midfield, Sipho Mbule and Teboho Mokoena drove South Africa forward with intent, moving the ball quickly and encouraging early shots that exposed lapses in Zimbabwe’s defensive organisation.

Zimbabwe impressed with their courage and attacking ambition despite the absence of injured forward Knowledge Musona. Maswanhise’s pace and dribbling posed constant problems, while Nakamba led with intensity in midfield, though that aggression ultimately proved costly.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams once again offered calm leadership for Bafana Bafana, but the goals conceded will raise concerns about the defence ahead of him. Still, South Africa’s ability to respond under pressure underlined a resilience that could be crucial as they look to surpass their third-place finish at the 2023 Afcon.