South Africa has successfully advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after an exhilarating 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakech. A pivotal late penalty from Oswin Appollis clinched the win for Bafana Bafana, allowing them to secure second place in Group B, just behind Egypt. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, this defeat sees them eliminated from the tournament, finishing fourth in the group.
The match kicked off with a bang, as South Africa’s Tshepang Moremi scored within the first seven minutes, giving his team an early lead. However, Zimbabwe quickly responded with a remarkable solo effort from Tawanda Maswanhise, leveling the score.
South Africa regained their lead early in the second half through Lyle Foster’s goal, but once again, Zimbabwe fought back when a deflected clearance from defender Aubrey Modiba found its way into their net. The game took a decisive turn when a handball was confirmed by VAR, allowing Appollis to step up and confidently convert the penalty, thus ensuring South Africa’s progression in the tournament.
Bafana Bafana is set to meet the Group F runners-up in Rabat on Sunday, showcasing their determination and resilience. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe continues its challenging journey, still in search of its first advancement beyond the group stage in Afcon history. This thrilling matchup highlights the passion and competitive spirit present in African football, offering hope for both teams as they aim to achieve future successes on this prestigious platform.