Bafana Bafana have advanced to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging Zimbabwe 3-2 in their final group stage match at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Monday.
Oswin Appollis scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute. The Orlando Pirates star converted from the spot, sending Zimbabwean keeper Washington Arubi the wrong way.
The referee awarded South Africa a penalty after a VAR review confirmed that a Zimbabwean defender handled the ball in the box while trying to defend a fierce shot.
Another Orlando Pirates star, Tshepang Moremi, opened the scoring in the 7th minute with the assistance of Lyle Foster. However, Tawanda Maswanhise equalised with a beauty in the 19th minute. Jonah Fabisch assisted him.
Burnley’s Lyle Foster headed South Africa back in front in the 50th minute after Zimbabwe’s defensive error. However, Zimbabwe got lucky in the 74th minute when Aubrey Modiba unfortunately put the ball in his own net after a super save from Ronwen Williams.
South Africa could have scored more, but Arubi was having none of it. Arubi pulled off a fantastic save, denying Appollis from inside the box in the 58th minute.
Arubi again pulled off another acrobatic save, denying Sipho Mbule a goal from close range in the 67th minute.
Zimbabwe also nearly scored in the 64th minute when Tawanda Maswanhise’s powerful strike crashed against the right post.
Bafana Bafana finished second in Group B with six points. They won two matches and lost just one. Egypt topped the group with seven points.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Official Lineups
Zimbabwe’s Starting XI:
Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Divine Lunga, Prince Dube, Jonah Fabisch, Bill Antonio, Brendan Galloway, Daniel Msendami, Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise, and Washington Arubi (G).
South Africa’s Starting XI:
Ronwen Williams (G), Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Mbule, Khuliso Mudau, and Siyabonga Ngezana.
Zimbabwe Latest Results
Zimbabwe drew 1-1 with Angola on matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations at Stade de Marrakech on 26 December 2025.
Angola’s Gelson Dala opened the scoring in the 24th minute, assisted by To Carneiro. However, Knowledge Musona equalised for the Warriors in the 45+6 minute, assisted by Bill Antonio.
Both sides failed to create enough goal-scoring opportunities in the second half, and the goalkeepers from both nations ensured there were no further goals in the clash.
South Africa Latest Results
South Africa lost 1-0 to Egypt in a controversial Africa Cup of Nations clash at Stade Adrar on 26 December 2025.
Egypt was awarded a suspicious penalty in the 45th minute after a VAR review. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool converted from the spot, giving the Pharaohs a narrow 1-0 win.
After a lengthy VAR review, the referee denied South Africa a penalty in the 90+3 minute after Yasser Ibrahim appeared to have handled the ball inside the box.
Also Read: Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing Rwanda 3-0
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Head-to-Head
Zimbabwe snatched a point in the last match against South Africa. The Zimbabweans put on a solid performance in the World Cup Qualifier, ensuring that Bafana Bafana did not score against them.
Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
Zimbabwe and South Africa played to a goalless draw in a critical World Cup Qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025.
Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona got red-carded in the 63rd minute after receiving his second yellow card. The referee also showed Bafana Bafana’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi a red card in the 90+7 minute.
The Zimbabweans put on a spirited performance in the match, frustrating both Bafana and their fans.
Also Read: Bafana Bafana 3-1 Zambia: Mohau Nkota scores and assists as South Africa defeats Chipolopolo
South Africa 2-0 Zimbabwe
South Africa brushed aside their neighbours, Zimbabwe, 2-0 in a Cosafa Cup clash at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on 7 June 2025.
Orlando Pirates Kabelo Dlamini opened the scoring in the 40th minute. He converted from the spot. Ime Okon extended Bafana Bafana’s score in the 78th minute, assisted by Gape Moralo.
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