The Grand Stade de Marrakech was alive with tension and anticipation on Monday, December 29, 2025, as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana edged past Zimbabwe 3-2 in a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B finale. With qualification to the knockout rounds hanging in the balance, both teams delivered a spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
South Africa, led by head coach Hugo Broos, entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to see them through as runners-up in Group B, but a win would remove any doubt. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, needed a victory and a bit of help from Angola’s result against Egypt to keep their hopes alive. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the players responded with intensity from the opening minute.
Broos made a notable adjustment to his starting lineup, bringing Sipho Mbule back into the midfield after his absence from the starting eleven in the narrow loss to Egypt. Broos defended his decision at a media roundtable, saying, “I think first of all, Sipho is experienced enough. He knows when also he’s good and when he’s not good. So, I will not talk today because today I think we have to let the players be and leave them and don’t make meetings or show them what was not good. I will have a little chat with him and see how he felt about the game of Egypt. And we will see what we can do in the game against Zimbabwe.” True to his word, Broos gave Mbule another chance, trusting the midfielder’s experience in a high-stakes situation.
The match kicked off in front of a raucous crowd, with both teams showing attacking intent early. It was South Africa who struck first, just six minutes in. Tshepang Moremi pounced on a loose ball inside the box, firing a left-footed shot that took a wicked deflection off the Zimbabwe defense and nestled in the back of the net. The early lead gave Bafana Bafana the confidence boost they needed, and they kept pressing for a second.
Zimbabwe, however, were not about to roll over. At the 20-minute mark, Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of magic, weaving through four South African defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot that left goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with no chance. The equalizer reignited Zimbabwe’s hopes and set the stage for a fiercely contested first half. The teams went into the break level at 1-1, each knowing the next goal could define their tournament fate.
South Africa came out firing in the second half, determined to reclaim the lead. Just five minutes after the restart, Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster rose highest in the box to meet a well-delivered free-kick, heading home to make it 2-1. Foster, who had already played a key role in South Africa’s World Cup qualification campaign, continued to show why he’s considered one of the team’s most vital assets. His performance was a blend of tireless running, clever link-up play, and clinical finishing.
As the match wore on, the tension mounted. Zimbabwe made a series of substitutions, trying to inject fresh energy and push for an equalizer. South Africa, meanwhile, sought to manage the game, but a moment of misfortune struck in the 73rd minute. A vertical cross from Tawanda Chirewa found Maswanhise, whose shot deflected off South African defender Aubrey Modiba and looped into the net for an own goal. Suddenly, it was 2-2, and Group B’s fate was thrown wide open.
The drama was far from over. Just minutes later, a South African attack saw Mohau Nkota’s effort blocked inside the box, but replays showed Marvelous Nakamba had handled the ball. After a tense VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot and booked Nakamba. Oswin Appollis stepped up for South Africa, and with nerves of steel, sent the keeper the wrong way to restore Bafana Bafana’s lead at 3-2 in the 82nd minute. The South African bench erupted, knowing how crucial this goal could be for their AFCON journey.
Zimbabwe refused to give up, mounting a series of late attacks. Substitute Macauley Bonne nearly found an equalizer, forcing Williams into a vital save in the dying moments. South Africa made tactical substitutions, with Mbule making way for Thalente Mbatha to shore up the midfield and see out the result. On the other side, Zimbabwe threw on Tadiwa Chakuchichi for one last push, but the South African defense held firm.
When the final whistle blew, South Africa’s players celebrated a hard-fought victory that secured their place in the knockout stage as Group B’s second-placed team. It marked their third consecutive progression to the next phase of the competition, a testament to the squad’s resilience and Broos’s steady leadership. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances and a campaign that showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short.
The match was a showcase for some of the tournament’s rising stars. Appollis, who has been lauded for his balance and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, emerged as a key figure for South Africa. Foster’s goal and assist underlined his importance, while Maswanhise’s individual brilliance for Zimbabwe will surely have caught the eyes of scouts and fans alike.
Looking back, the Group B finale was a microcosm of what makes AFCON so captivating: unpredictable twists, passionate displays, and the ever-present sense that anything can happen. While Egypt maintained their grip on top spot with a simultaneous result against Angola, South Africa’s victory ensured their journey continues, with hopes of matching or even surpassing their third-place finish from 2024.
The Grand Stade de Marrakech, a venue steeped in history and modern flair, provided the perfect stage for this footballing drama. With over 45,000 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, and the players responded in kind. For Bafana Bafana, the road ahead is filled with both challenge and opportunity. They’ll need to build on this momentum, tighten up defensively, and continue relying on their attacking talents if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
For now, South Africa can savor a victory earned the hard way—a result that sends them into the knockout rounds with belief, pride, and plenty to play for as AFCON 2025 rolls on in Morocco.
