South Africa booked their spot in the round of 16 at the 2025 African Cup of Nations after sealing a dramatic 3-2 win over Zimbabwe on Monday, SportPremi Reports.
Tshepang Moremi gave them the lead early in the game, but Tawanda Maswanhise equalized with a beautiful individual goal minutes later.
Lyle Foster then put Bafana Bafana back ahead early in the second half and as it happened in the first, Zimbabwe were back on level terms after an own goal by Aubrey Modiba.
However, Oswin Appollis snatched the victory for his side in the 82nd minute, converting calmly from the penalty spot as South Africa move to the next round.
For Zimbabwe, it is heartbreak as they crashed out of the competition having managed a single point from their three matches.
First half: Maswanhise cancels out Moremi’s early opener
South Africa headed into the clash, seeking just a point to seal qualification into the next round of the tournament in Morocco.
They started brightly and had the first attempt of the match, but Zimbabwe goalkeeper Arubi was on hand to deny Appollis.
It took a moment of luck to beat the veteran goalkeeper in the seventh minute as Foster fed Moremi, whose shot took a huge deflection off Lunga into the back of the net.
Zimbabwe were back on level terms 12 minutes later through a moment of brilliance from Maswanhise, who weaved his way through the Bafana Bafana defence before firing into the net.
Hugo Broos’ side dominated proceedings but Arubi was in superb form to deny them a second goal as the first half ended 1-1.
Second half: South Africa snatch late winner in entertaining affair
Just as they did in the first half, South Africa grabbed another early goal to go ahead in the tie as Foster showed real determination and courage to score his second goal of the tournament.
Zimbabwe came close to leveling matters as Maswanhise was denied a second of the game by the woodwork, before they finally got their goal in fortuitous circumstances.
The impressive Maswanhise looked to score past Williams, but his effort hit the goalkeeper’s foot and went into the net off Modiba.
Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty for a handball in the final 10 minutes of the clash after a review by the Video Assistant Referee.
Appollis stepped up and fired into the net past Arubi to put his side back in front and on the brinks of qualification into the knockout rounds.
The game ended 3-2 in favour of South Africa, who will now partake in the round of 16 of the competition in Morocco.
Players Ratings:
Zimbabwe Players Ratings
- Arubi – 5.2/10
- Galloway – 6.4/10
- Takwara – 6.6/10
- Garananga – 6.6/10
- Fabisch – 7.2/10
- Antonio – 6.2/10
- Nakamba – 5.5/10
- Msendami – 6.1/10
- Lunga – 5.9/10
- Dube – 7.2/10
- Maswanhise – 8.4/10
Substitutes
- Chirewa – 5.9/10
- Zindoga – 6.3/10
- Bonne – 6.4/10
- Jalai – 6.4/10
South Africa Players Ratings
- Williams – 7.0/10
- Modiba – 6.5/10
- Mbokazi – 6.7/10
- Ngezana – 6.7/10
- Mudau – 7.2/10
- Sithole – 6.7/10
- Mokoena – 7.4/10
- Moremi – 7.4/10
- Mbule – 7.5/10
- Appollis – 8.0/10
- Foster – 8.6/10
Substitutes
- Aubaas – 6.9/10
- Makpopa – 6.2/10
- Nkota – 6.2/10
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Zimbabwe 34% – 66% South Africa
Total Shots: Zimbabwe 10 – 16 South Africa
Shots on target: Zimbabwe 3 – 9 South Africa
Pass Accuracy: Zimbabwe 67% – 83% South Africa
Corners: Zimbabwe 3 – 3 South Africa
What Next?
South Africa finished second in group B and will now face the runners-up of group F which could be either of Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique in the knockout rounds on the 4th of January, 2026.
