A dramatic 3-2 victory in the COSAFA derby sees South Africa secure
knockout qualification in a match filled with momentum swings.
Bafana Bafana booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa
Cup of Nations with a hard-fought and entertaining 3-2 win over regional
rivals Zimbabwe on Monday evening.
The match, played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, was a pulsating encounter
that saw the lead change hands multiple times. South Africa struck first
through Tshepang Moremi’s deflected effort in the 8th minute, only for
Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Maswanhise to equalize with a superb solo run and finish
11 minutes later.
Bafana restored their advantage early in the second half as Lyle Foster
cleverly lobbed the goalkeeper. Zimbabwe showed tremendous spirit, pulling
level again in the 74th minute through an unfortunate Aubrey Modiba own goal
after Ronwen Williams had made a fine save.
The decisive moment came from the penalty spot. After a VAR review for a
Marvelous Nakamba handball, substitute Thabang Appollis held his nerve to
convert the 80th-minute spot-kick, sealing a 3-2 victory and confirming
South Africa’s progression to the Round of 16.
Match Details:
- Teams: Zimbabwe 2-3 South Africa
- Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- Date: 29 December 2025
- Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Hassan
Key Moment: Thabang Appollis’s coolly-taken 80th-minute penalty proved to be
the winner, securing the vital three points for Hugo Broos’s side after
Zimbabwe had fought back to 2-2.
Confirmed Lineups:
- Zimbabwe: Arubi; Garananga, Takwara, Galloway, Lunga; Nakamba,
Fabisch, Msendami (Chirewa 60′); Antonio (Bonne 60′), Dube (Zindoga
60′), Maswanhise. - South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena,
Sithole; Moremi (Appollis 68′), Mbule (Mbatha 75′), Foster; Makgopa
(Campbell 68′). - South Africa Subs (Used): Appollis, Campbell, Mbatha.
