Bafana Bafana Survive Zimbabwe Onslaught to Secure AFCON 2025 Knockout Spot

South Africa produced a commanding performance to silence Zimbabwe in their final AFCON 2025 group-stage clash at the Marrakesh Stadium.

Their last meeting took place on October 10, 2025, in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended in a tense 0–0 draw in Durban, where Zimbabwe’s organised defence managed to stifle a high-pressing South African side.

This stalemate followed a more decisive 3–1 victory for South Africa in June 2024, a result that solidified Bafana Bafana's recent upper hand and extended their unbeaten run against the Warriors to five consecutive competitive matches.

South Africa began the match on the front foot, asserting their dominance early and making their attacking intentions clear from the outset. Just seven minutes in, Bafana Bafana winger Tshepang Moremi gave South Africa the lead with a well-taken finish.

Bafana Bafana continued to play with confidence, frequently unsettling the Warriors’ defence. Zimbabwe attempted to respond in the 10th minute through a quick counterattack, but the move failed to trouble the South African back line.

Six minutes later, the Warriors came close again, forcing a corner after sustained pressure, though the set-piece came to nothing. South Africa then broke forward with a swift counterattack of their own, but it failed to produce a goal.

Despite South Africa’s control, Zimbabwe found an equaliser in the 18th minute when Tawanda Maswanhise struck from open play to bring his side level.

Zimbabwe continued to press and earned a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 27th minute following a clumsy challenge on Jonah Fabisch. The resulting delivery, however, drifted wide after a weak header failed to test the goalkeeper.

South Africa won a corner in the 35th minute but were unable to capitalise. Four minutes later, Bafana Bafana came close to restoring their lead, only for a tame header to be comfortably gathered by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

The first half ended with both sides pushing for another goal, but neither could find the breakthrough as the teams went into the break level.

Both teams returned from the break fully aware of what was at stake. Zimbabwe earned an early free kick, but it failed to trouble the South African defence.

In the 50th minute, South Africa regained the lead through Lyle Foster, whose powerful header capped off a determined and confident display.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Bafana Bafana’s favour, forcing Zimbabwe to chase the game. South Africa focused on protecting their advantage while looking for opportunities to extend the lead.

Zimbabwe won a corner in the 54th minute, but once again could not capitalise. Two minutes later, South Africa nearly doubled their lead, only for Arubi to react sharply and make a crucial save.

Zimbabwe showed renewed urgency and came close to scoring before Mbekezeli Mbokazi intervened with a superb defensive block, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

The Warriors struck the crossbar in the 62nd minute, agonisingly close to an equaliser, before South Africa launched a swift counterattack that was halted by the alert Zimbabwean goalkeeper.

Bafana Bafana earned a free kick in the 69th minute, but the delivery was quickly cleared away from danger. Shortly after, head coach Hugo Broos made a tactical change in the 72nd minute, introducing Evidence Makgopa in place of Lyle Foster.

However, Zimbabwe found a way back into the match moments later as South Africa conceded an unfortunate own goal. Aubrey Modiba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with a rebound after an initial save by the goalkeeper.

Zimbabwe looked to capitalise on the momentum and were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area soon after, but the effort drifted wide, allowing South Africa a brief reprieve.

South Africa were then awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute after a Zimbabwe defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Oswin Appollis stepped up with composure and converted from the spot, restoring Bafana Bafana’s lead.

Zimbabwe pushed for a late equaliser in the 88th minute, but Ronwen Williams stayed alert, reacting quickly to make a crucial save. Despite efforts from the Warriors in the dying minutes of the match, South Africa walked away with the victory.