AFCON 2025: Lucky Escape Against Zimbabwe Leaves Question Marks on Bafana Bafana’s Title Credentials

South Africa secured their place in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday but they head into the Round of 16 with a lot to ponder.

Bafana Bafana beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in an entertaining Group B encounter but the manner in which they won will leave their fans worried wondering if they can go all the way and win the tournament.

While teams grow into the tournament, the manner in which Zimbabwe sliced them open will be a worry to coach Hugo Broos, who was a relieved man at fulltime.

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South Africa came into AFCON 2025 as one of the dark horses to win it, owing to their third place finish in 2023, but after a wild opening game against Angola, which they won 2-1, followed by a tough one over Egypt, which they lost 1-0, few would have expected Zimbabwe to give them such a hard time.

But that is what happened as a game that was littered with defensive mistakes ended in South Africa’s favour after a late penalty.

The South Africans were unusually easy to play through in midfield and defence, something that has not been seen in their matches this year and the way Tawanda Maswanhise weaved his way past his markers to score for 1-1 was a cause for concern.

After that, there were moments when Zimbabwe found themselves one-on-one with South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who pulled off some great saves to keep his side in the game.

Before this match, South Africa had not conceded more than one goal since September 2024 but having let in two against Zimbabwe, they face a daunting task against either Ivory Coast or Cameroon, who they will face in the Round of 16.

Coach Broos will have to get his selection spot on while his defenders and midfielders have to return to their best if they are to overcome the tough test that awaits them in the knockout rounds.