Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis goals have sent Bafana Bafana to the AFCON 2025’s final 16 round.
The 3-2 result over the Warriors of Zimbabwe placed South Africa in second place in Group B with six points. Egypt top the standings with seven points after a goalless draw with Angola.
BAFANA BAFANA EDGE ZIMBABWE TO QUALIFY FOR AFCON 2025 LAST 16
South Africa started on the front foot and made their early dominance count almost immediately.
In just the second minute, Oswin Appollis tested Washington Arubi with a low snap shot as Bafana opened up the Zimbabwean defence.
The pressure was relentless and paid off in the fourth minute. Moremi, struck from close range, his effort deflecting off Divine Lunga to wrong-foot Arubi and hand Bafana an early lead.
Bafana continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Appollis again going close only for Takwara to block a goal-bound effort.
However, Zimbabwe grew into the contest and began to threaten down the left flank.
A dangerous Msendami cross was well dealt with by Siyabonga Ngezana before the Warriors struck back with a moment of individual brilliance.
On 19 minutes, Maswanhise lit up the match with a stunning equaliser, weaving past Mbokazi from the edge of the area before curling a low shot beyond Ronwen Williams to make it 1–1.
The goal shifted the momentum, with Zimbabwe suddenly confident and enjoying more possession.
The Warriors nearly took the lead when Garananga rose unmarked from an in-swinging free-kick, only to head over in what proved a let-off for Bafana.
Aubrey Modiba delivered a superb cross in the 38th minute that found a free Sithole, but the header lacked conviction. Just before the break, Mbule unleashed a powerful strike from distance, though it was too central to trouble Arubi.
MORE DRAMA IN THE SECOND HALF
Bafana reclaimed the lead shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, a high back pass from Zimbabwe was punished as Foster reacted quickest.
The Burnley FC striker beat the goalkeeper to the ball and nodded home for his second goal of the tournament following his strike in the 2–1 win over Angola.
With the advantage restored, Hugo Broos’ side looked to control the tempo through possession. However, Zimbabwe were far from done.
Against the run of play in the 73rd minute, Maswanhise struck again by forcing an own goal. He collected a loose ball on the right, drove into the box before taking a shot that deflected off Modiba into the net.
Moments later, Bafana survived a major scare as Zimbabwe came agonisingly close to taking the lead.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened to award South Africa a penalty.
Mohaua Nkota’s shot was adjudged to have been handled by Marvellous Nakamba inside the area.
Appollis kept his nerve, converting from the spot to restore Bafana Bafana’s lead and score his second goal of AFCON 2025.
South Africa held on through a tense finish to secure the victory that sends them into the AFCON 2025 last 16.
Mzansi are likely to battle in a heavyweight clash against either Cameroon or the Ivory Coast.
Also read: Where are Bafana Bafana on the current CAF rankings?
