South Africa edge Zimbabwe to book AFCON 2025 knockout-stage ticket in Marrakech thriller
29 December 2025
Match Recap
South Africa sealed their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds in Morocco by edging Zimbabwe 3-2 in Marrakech. The contest closed the group stage, with the hosts making the final push in Group B.
South Africa started with intent, breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute through a Morimi strike. Zimbabwe replied in the 19th minute through Ta Wanda Maswanhais.
Second Half and Winner
In the 50th minute, Lyle Foster doubled the lead for the “Bafana Bafana.” In the 73rd minute, a Zimbabwean own goal by Aubrey Modiba made it 2-2, reigniting the drama.
Eight minutes from time, Oswin Polis converted a late penalty to seal a 3-2 win for South Africa.
Aftermath
South Africa finished on six points, securing qualification to the knockout stage alongside Egypt, who topped the group with seven points after a goalless draw with Angola.
Punchline 1: If football were a shopping list, SA just checked every box and paid with a smile.
Punchline 2: The ball found the net so many times tonight that even the pigeons in Marrakech started celebrating.
