David GOMBE
South Africa progressed to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging a spirited Zimbabwe side 3–2 in a gripping Group B encounter on Monday.
In a match that swung repeatedly and remained in doubt until the final whistle, South Africa showed composure under pressure to secure a victory that could prove decisive in their qualification bid.
Bafana Bafana made the perfect start, striking inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi capitalised on a deflected effort, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to hand South Africa an early lead.
Encouraged by the opener, South Africa pressed forward with confidence, as Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis drove their side’s attacking momentum.
Zimbabwe, however, refused to be overawed. Their response was swift and spectacular. In the 19th minute, Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past several defenders before unleashing a powerful finish to restore parity and ignite the contest.
After an entertaining first half, South Africa regained control shortly after the restart. Defensive hesitation from Zimbabwe proved costly in the 50th minute, allowing Lyle Foster to pounce and cleverly lob Arubi with a looping header to make it 2–1.
Yet Zimbabwe remained a constant threat. Maswanhise came agonisingly close to drawing level again when his fierce strike rattled the post midway through the second half, underlining the Warriors’ attacking intent.
The decisive moment arrived in the final quarter of an hour. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvelous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead and seemingly settling the contest.
Zimbabwe were not finished. An own goal from Aubrey Modiba reduced the deficit and sparked a frantic finale, with the Warriors throwing bodies forward in stoppage time in search of an equaliser.
South Africa, though stretched and under sustained pressure, defended resolutely to see out the match. Their ability to withstand Zimbabwe’s late onslaught ensured a vital three points, while the Warriors were left to reflect on a brave performance that ultimately went unrewarded.
The hard-earned win leaves South Africa firmly through to the next round of the competition finishing second with six points, while Zimbabwe will return home after finishing bottom of the group with just one point.