Zimbabwe 2-3 South Africa: Bafana Bafana secure qualification in 5-goal thriller

South Africa secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in their Group B encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, keeping their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout stages.

Match Report

The match got off to a flying start as South Africa’s Tshepang Moremi struck in the 7th minute, slotting home a precise finish to give Bafana Bafana an early advantage.

Zimbabwe responded brilliantly, and in the 19th minute, winger Tawanda Maswanhise weaved through South Africa’s defence before firing into the bottom corner, leveling the score and sending the Warriors fans into raptures.The first half ended 1-1, with both sides creating chances but unable to break the deadlock further.

Early in the second half, South Africa regained control.

In the 50th minute, Lyle Foster scored the decisive goal, finishing off a well-worked attacking move and putting his team ahead 2-1.

From then on, South Africa focused on protecting their lead while Zimbabwe pushed forward in search of another equaliser and got the result in the 74th when Modiba turned the ball into his own goal to make it 2-2.

Oswin Appolis became the hero of the night as he converted from the spot to give Bafana Bafana the victory in the 82nd minute.

Tshepang Moremi and Lyle Foster were instrumental, providing the goals that decided the contest.

The victory keeps South Africa in contention for a Round of 16 spot, while Zimbabwe must rely on favourable results in other matches to progress.

Line-ups

Zimbabwe XI: Washington Arubi, Brendan Galloway, Nakamba, Gerald Takwara, Prince Dube, Divine Lunga, Jonah Fabisch, Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio, Munashe Garananga, Daniel Msendami

Subs: Alec Mudimu, Macauley Bonne, Elvis Chipezeze, Junior Zindoga, Godknows Murwira, Martin Mapisa, Tawanda Chirewa, Ishmael Wadi, Sean Fusire, Emmanuel Jalai, Prosper Padera, Isheanesu Mauchi, Washington Navaya, Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi

South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Yaya Sithole, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Sipho Mbule, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Subs: Ricardo Goss, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sipho Chaine, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Elias Mokwana, Thabang Matuludi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell, Samukelo Kabini, Mohau Nkota, Khulumani Ndamane, Tylon Smith