South Africa claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on Monday, thanks to a late penalty from Oswin Appollis, securing second place in Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and knocking their southern African rivals out of the tournament.

With the win, South Africa finish the group stage with six points, just behind Egypt, who topped the group with seven points, ensuring both teams advance to the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.

---

South Africa vs Zimbabwe: Match Highlights

The match was a rollercoaster of goals and momentum swings, with South Africa taking the lead three times:

• Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring with his first international goal, taking advantage of a deflection off Divine Lunga to loop the ball into the net.
• Zimbabwe equalized in the 19th minute with a spectacular effort from Tawanda Maswanhise, who dribbled past two defenders from 35 yards out before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
• Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead five minutes after halftime, capitalizing on a back-header from Lunga.
• Zimbabwe struck again in the 73rd minute when Maswanhise’s low shot deflected off Aubrey Modiba for an own goal.
• In the final 10 minutes, South Africa were awarded a penalty when Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball. Appollis converted to seal the victory and crush Zimbabwe’s hopes of advancing.

Coach Hugo Broos will, however, be concerned about defensive lapses, as Zimbabwe created numerous scoring opportunities and exposed South Africa’s backline at times.

---

Group B Standings and Knockout Implications

• Egypt: 7 points, Group B winners
• South Africa: 6 points, Group B runners-up
• Angola: 2 points, awaiting results to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams
• Zimbabwe: Eliminated

South Africa, who finished third in the previous AFCON in the Ivory Coast and have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are yet to reach their full potential in the tournament, but the win ensures progression to the knockout stages.

---

Egypt Holds Angola to a Goalless Draw

Meanwhile, a second-string Egypt side maintained their unbeaten run with a 0-0 draw against Angola, having already secured the top spot in Group B.

Coach rested key players, including Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, giving squad members a chance to gain valuable tournament experience. Despite Angola having the better chances, including efforts from Chico Banza, Mabululu, and Fredy, Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir kept a clean sheet.

Egypt now prepare to face one of the best third-placed teams in the Round of 16, with the match scheduled next Monday in Agadir.

---

Key Takeaways

• South Africa progress to AFCON 2025 Round of 16, defeating Zimbabwe in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
• Egypt remain unbeaten and top the group, even with a rotated squad.
• Zimbabwe are eliminated, while Angola await results to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
• Defensive weaknesses remain a concern for South Africa ahead of the knockout stage.