The final day of Group B at AFCON 2025 sets up a tense regional clash as Zimbabwe face South Africa in Marrakech on Monday, with qualification on the line. Egypt have already sealed the top spot, leaving this fixture to decide who joins them in the Round of 16.
Zimbabwe arrive after a narrow defeat to Egypt, a game SoftFootball covered when Salah struck in stoppage time to edge the Warriors, followed by a draw with Angola. Only a win will keep their knockout hopes alive.
South Africa sit in a stronger position with three points after beating Angola before losing 1-0 to Egypt, a result that confirmed Egypt’s progression as reported by SoftFootball after Salah’s penalty decided the contest.
Bafana Bafana know that a draw is enough to advance, while victory would remove any doubt and reward their overall consistency in the group.
Team News
Zimbabwe have concerns at the back after Teenage Hadebe picked up an injury in their last outing. Knowledge Musona remains their key attacking figure after scoring against Angola. South Africa have a full squad available, although Aubrey Modiba and Sphephelo Sithole are one booking away from suspension.
South Africa have enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture and have been unbeaten against Zimbabwe since 2013. The overall record is tight, but Bafana Bafana have won or drawn the last four meetings, giving them a psychological edge.
Zimbabwe have struggled for momentum, winning just one of their last eight competitive matches. They have shown spirit but continue to concede early goals. South Africa are more stable and have not lost back-to-back competitive games since 2022, underlining their resilience.
Possible Lineups
Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1): Arubi; Lunga, Galloway, Takwara, Jalai; Nakamba, Fabisch; Antonio, Musona, Dube; Bonne.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Nkotaba, Mbule, Appollis; Forster.
South Africa announce their pivotal AFCON 2025 Group B finale against Zimbabwe on their official X account, as a positive result ensures knockout stage qualification amid a tight race with Egypt and Angola.
SoftFootball Prediction
This is likely to be tight and tense, with Zimbabwe forced to take risks. South Africa’s organisation and game management should see them through. SoftFootball predicts a narrow South Africa win or a draw, enough to send Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages.
Prediction: Zimbabwe 1-2 South Africa.
