AFCON 2025: Zimbabwe vs South Africa preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Both teams are looking to secure a ticket to the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations competition after droping points in their second game respectively.

Zimbabwe enter this final group game under significant pressure after a difficult start to their AFCON 2025 campaign. 

The Warriors suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Egypt in their opener before playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola last Friday. 

As it stands, they are on the verge of being knocked out of the 2025 AFCON competition, with a must win against South Africa their only option.

South Africa, meanwhile, started the competition with a win but fell in their second game. Bafana Bafana opened with a confident 2-1 victory over Angola, but lost to a 1-0 defeat against Egypt in their second match following a Mohamed Salah penalty. 

Hugo Broos has built a side that thrives on possession and quick transitions and they currently sit in second place with three points. 

A draw would likely be enough to see them through, but they will be eager to claim maximum points against their neighbours to secure a more favourable draw in the round of 16.

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South Africa have dominated this meetings in recent years, winning three of their last five most recent head-to-head encounters. 

The Bafana Bafana have recorded three wins, while Zimbabwe have failed to get any victory, with one game ending in a draw.

The most recent meeting ended in a 0-0 draw in 2025 during their World Cup qualifying game, but before that South Africa have won back-to-back games against the Warriors.

Zimbabwe are expected to rely heavily on the experience of Marvelous Nakamba in midfield to disrupt the rhythm of the opposition. Prince Dube is expected to lead the attack again after impressing in the opening rounds.

However, there are minor concerns over the fitness of Teenage Hadebe, who is a doubt after picking up a knock on Friday. 

South Africa have no major injury worries, but Hugo Broos will be concerned about Aubrey Modiba and Sphephelo Sithole, who are both one yellow card away from a suspension. 

Lyle Foster will lead the line once more, supported by the creative duo of Teboho Mokoena and Oswin Appollis.

Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1): Arubi; Jalai, Takwara, Hadebe, Lunga; Fabisch, Nakamba; Dube, Musona, Antonio; Bonne

South Africa (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Moremi; Appollis, Foster, Mbatha

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With Zimbabwe needing a win to stay in the competition and South Africa needing a draw to progress to the next stage, we expect a tense battle. 

Zimbabwe have struggled for consistency in front of goal, while South Africa have shown they are good with the ball.

Because both teams are familiar with each other's styles, we expect a low-scoring game, with South Africa having more quality in individual to secure the result they need to progress.