South Africa advanced to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, securing a narrow 3–2 victory against a determined Zimbabwe team in a closely contested Group B match on Monday.
The match displayed significant tension, remaining uncertain until the final whistle. Yet, South Africa demonstrated commendable composure under pressure to achieve a result that could be pivotal for their qualification efforts.
Bafana Bafana commenced the match strongly, taking an early lead within the first seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi seized on a deflected effort, skillfully lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to establish an advantage for South Africa.
Buoyed by this initial success, South Africa maintained an aggressive offensive presence, with Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis significantly contributing to the team’s attacking drive.
Zimbabwe displayed resilience as Tawanda Maswanhise equalised in the 19th minute with a powerful strike. However, South Africa regained the lead shortly after the break when Lyle Foster scored with a skilful lob in the 50th minute.
Zimbabwe remained a threat, with Maswanhise hitting the post midway through the second half. The match was ultimately decided in the last fifteen minutes when a VAR review awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvellous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis converted it in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead as they held on to win.
Meanwhile, Angola and already qualified Egypt fought to a tense 0–0 draw in their group stage match at the Stade d’Agadir, with Angola dominating possession but Egypt’s defence securing a hard-earned point.
Scoring the winner! Oswin Appollis is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match. 🇿🇦🌟#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/EYHz97q82R
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 29, 2025
