AFCON: Bafana Bafana advance to last 16 with hard-fought victory over Zimbabwe

South Africa 3-2 Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana secured a place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 3-2 win over Zimbabwe in their final Group B match at the Marrakesh Stadium on Monday.

The result saw Bafana finish second in the group behind Egypt and advance to a round-of-16 clash against the runner-up from Group F in Rabat on Sunday, 4 January. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, ended bottom of the group, continuing their run of group-stage eliminations at Afcon.

Hugo Broos' side made a fast start and took the lead in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremiâ™s effort from the right side of the box deflected off Divine Lunga and beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Zimbabwe responded well and were level 12 minutes later through Tawanda Maswanhise, who beat two defenders before drilling a low shot past Ronwen Williams.

The Warriors grew in confidence and came close to going ahead before the break, with Munashe Garananga heading narrowly over from a free kick, but the teams went into half-time locked at 1-1.

Hugo Broos introduced Bathusi Aubaas at the interval, and South Africa regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive error to head into an empty net. Zimbabwe continued to pose a threat and were unlucky when Maswanhise struck the post before they equalised in the 74th minute, as Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net following a save by Williams.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball after a VAR check. Oswin Appollis converted the resulting penalty to restore Bafana's lead.

Despite late pressure from Zimbabwe, Bafana Bafana held firm to seal the victory and progression to the last 16.

Egypt 0-0 Angola

Egypt finished top of Group B at AFCON 2025 after a goalless draw with Angola in Agadir, extending their unbeaten run despite resting all key players.

Already assured of qualification, the Pharaohs made 11 changes and focused on control rather than attacking risk.

Angola showed greater urgency, especially after the break, with substitutes Gelson Dala, Benson and Mâ™Bala Nzola increasing the pressure. Chances from Chico Banza, Antonio Maestro and Nzola went close, but poor finishing and solid goalkeeping from Mohamed Oufa Shobeir kept Egypt level.

With Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush sidelined, Egypt offered little going forward but managed the match efficiently to end the group on seven points.

The result left Angola third on two points and reliant on other results to reach the last 16. 

READ MORE: Sinesipho Dambile sets sights on retaining his national crown