South Africa sealed their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe, Afrosport reports.
Bafana Bafana knew victory would guarantee progress and they started on the front foot, taking the lead inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi struck after Oswin Appollis had already tested Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi, with a deflection proving decisive.
Zimbabwe responded through a moment of brilliance from Tawanda Maswanhise, who danced past defenders before firing low beyond Ronwen Williams to draw the Warriors level.
South Africa regained control early in the second half when Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive error, nodding into an empty net to restore their advantage.
The contest took another turn when Zimbabwe equalised again, Maswanhise’s effort rebounding off Aubrey Modiba and into the South Africa goal.
Round of 16 | Spot 04. 🇿🇦
South Africa qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/rfrpxGctnj
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 29, 2025
With the match finely poised, the decisive moment arrived after Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball, allowing Appollis to calmly convert from the penalty spot and secure a vital win for Hugo Broos’ side.
