South Africa secured their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe in Group B’s final round of matches on Monday, December 29.
Oswin Appollis scored a late penalty to clinch a thrilling match in Marrakech. This victory sent the 1996 champions through as group runners-up with six points, just one behind Egypt, who had already qualified and drew 0-0 with Angola in the group’s other game.
South Africa took the lead twice with goals from Tshepang Moremi and Lyle Foster. However, Zimbabwe equalized each time with goals from Tawanda Maswanshise and an own goal by Aubrey Modiba.
As the match seemed to be heading toward a draw, Zimbabwe midfielder Marvelous Nakamba was called for a handball on the goal line after a VAR review. Appollis stepped up and scored, marking his second goal of the tournament. Bafana Bafana will now face the runners-up from Group F in the Round of 16.
Read more sports news here.
