BAFANA THROUGH: South Africa Edge Zimbabwe in AFCON Thriller
AFCON 2025 | Group B | Grand Stade de Marrakech
Bafana Bafana edged a pulsating Southern African derby to defeat Zimbabwe 3–2, booking their place in the AFCON Round of 16 after a dramatic, incident-packed contest in Marrakech.
South Africa started on the front foot and were rewarded early when Tshepang Moremi finished clinically in the 7th minute, capping sustained pressure and giving Bafana control of the match. Zimbabwe, however, refused to fold and struck back through Tawanda Maswanhise, who calmly slotted home to make it 1–1, punishing a lapse in concentration.
The first half ended level, with South Africa dominating possession and chances, while Zimbabwe stayed compact and dangerous on the break.
Bafana regained the lead shortly after the restart as Lyle Foster powered home a header in the 50th minute to restore their advantage at 2–1. Zimbabwe responded with renewed urgency, hitting the post and forcing key saves from Ronwen Williams as the Warriors pushed for an equaliser.
Their pressure paid off in dramatic fashion when Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net in the 73rd minute, levelling the score at 2–2 and setting up a tense final stretch.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. Following a VAR review, South Africa were awarded a penalty for handball, and Oswin Appollis held his nerve to convert from the spot, restoring Bafana’s lead at 3–2.
Zimbabwe threw everything forward in stoppage time, but South Africa defended resolutely, managing the clock and seeing out the contest after nine minutes of added time.
GROUP B Final LOG TABLE STANDINGS
Group B – Standings & Qualification
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 3 | +2 | 7 | ✅ Qualified (Group Winner) |
| 2 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 3 | +1 | 6 | ✅ Qualified (Runner-up) |
| 3 | 🇦🇴 Angola | 3 | −1 | 2 | 🟡 Can progress as 3rd (ranking dependent) |
| 4 | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | 3 | −2 | 1 | ❌ Eliminated |