Bafana Bafana Advance to AFCON Last 16 With 3-2 Win Over Zimbabwe

Posted : 30 December 2025

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 3-2 victory over neighbours Zimbabwe, a result that showcased their attacking potential but left lingering questions about their title ambitions.

Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with the goal officially credited to him despite a heavy deflection off Divine Lunga.

Zimbabwe responded in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise, who slipped past the Bafana defence to level the match. After halftime, South Africa regained the lead as Lyle Foster scored, demonstrating sharp movement and clinical finishing.

The Warriors struck again in the 73rd minute when Maswanhise’s shot deflected off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Aubrey Modiba, resulting in an own goal that evened the score at 2-2. However, Bafana Bafana sealed the win with a late Oswin Appollis penalty, ensuring they finished second in Group B and advanced to the knockout stages.

South Africa controlled the early stages, with Sipho Mbule forcing a save in the first minute and Appollis testing goalkeeper Washington Arubi shortly after. Moremi then capitalized on a defensive deflection to put Bafana ahead. Zimbabwe equalized quickly through Maswanhise, highlighting defensive lapses in the South African backline.

Bafana continued to create chances, with Munashe Garananga and Jonah Fabisch coming close before halftime. After the break, South Africa pressed aggressively, and Foster’s smart positioning allowed him to restore the lead.

The match remained tense as both teams traded opportunities, including a near miss from Maswanhise hitting the woodwork and multiple long-range attempts from Teboho Mokoena and Mbule.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Appollis converted a penalty following a handball by Marvelous Nakamba, giving South Africa the edge. Zimbabwe had late attempts to equalize, but Williams’ saves and Bafana’s composure ensured the 3-2 victory.

With this win, South Africa join Egypt in the Round of 16, with Bafana set to face the second-placed team from Group F, which could be Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique.

Egypt, already assured of topping Group B, drew 0-0 with Angola to finish with seven points. South Africa ended with six, while Angola and Zimbabwe earned two and one points, respectively.

Bafana Bafana Advance to AFCON Last 16 With 3-2 Win Over Zimbabwe

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