South Africa has made a notable advancement to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a thrilling 3-2 victory against Zimbabwe in Marrakech. A crucial late penalty converted by Oswin Appollis sealed the win for Bafana Bafana, who finished in second place in Group B, just behind Egypt. Unfortunately, this defeat marks the end of the tournament for Zimbabwe, leaving them in fourth place in the group.
The match began dramatically, with South Africa’s Tshepang Moremi finding the back of the net within the first seven minutes, giving his team a swift lead. However, Zimbabwe showcased its resilience when Tawanda Maswanhise leveled the score with a remarkable solo goal.
After the break, South Africa regained its advantage with a goal from Lyle Foster. Yet again, Zimbabwe responded; a deflected clearance by defender Aubrey Modiba accidentally put the ball into their own net, leveling the match once more. The game took a pivotal turn when VAR confirmed a handball, leading Appollis to step up and decisively convert the penalty, ensuring South Africa’s progression in the tournament.
Next, Bafana Bafana will face the Group F runners-up in Rabat on Sunday, demonstrating their tenacity and ambition. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s journey in this tournament has ended, as they continue to seek their first progression beyond the group stage in Afcon history. This exciting encounter is a testament to the passion and competitive spirit of African football, offering hope for both nations as they aspire to achieve future successes in this esteemed tournament.