South Africa sealed a place in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe in a pulsating Group B clash on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Bafana Bafana struck early as Tshepang Moremi lifted the ball over goalkeeper Arubi inside seven minutes, but Zimbabwe responded through a brilliant solo effort from Tawanda Maswanhise to level matters in the 19th minute.
South Africa regained the lead shortly after the break when Lyle Foster punished defensive hesitation to make it 2–1, before Maswanhise again threatened, crashing a fierce effort against the post. The turning point came in the 82nd minute, as Oswin Appollis calmly converted a VAR-awarded penalty for handball.
Zimbabwe set up a tense finish when Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net, but South Africa held firm under late pressure to secure the win.
"We knew South Africa would have spells of dominance. They are a team that likes to have the ball and knows how to use it. We exploited the spaces when they appeared," Zimbabwe head coach Mario Marinica stated after the narrow loss.
"In certain transition phases, we were dangerous, and that is what allowed us to get back into the match. At this level of competition, every mistake is punished. We tried to stay organised, win our duels and be strong on second balls."
The result sees South Africa finish second in Group B with six points and advance to the next round, while Zimbabwe exit the tournament bottom of the group with one point despite a spirited display.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye