Softfootball reports that South Africa’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe following their 1–0 defeat to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations didn’t just book Bafana Bafana a place in the last 16; it also triggered a flood of reactions on X.
As the dust settled after a tense night at Marrakesh Stadium on Monday, emotions ran high, with fans sharing everything from pride and relief to frustration and outright anger.
One South African supporter, PresidentSamoraGoatedZAMachel (@sirgoatedza) questioned whether the result should really be celebrated. His post reflected concern about South Africa’s tactics and what they might mean against stronger opposition in future tournaments.
He stated:
I am not sure whether to say Bafana Bafana is poor or Zimbabwe is that good. Mara all I can say, come FIFA World Cup with such tactics we are getting 5-0 opening game. I am leaving it to you guys to tell me if we are that bad or Zims are good. Bafethu I think Hugo Broos is ageing like Mageu not wine
Another fan, Kelne (@KelneThomersy), focused less on the flaws and more on the spectacle itself, praising both teams for producing what he felt was the best match of the tournament so far.
He wrote:
Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe have played the match of the tournament so far; derbies are the best thing in football.
For some supporters, the night was simply too intense to enjoy. (@Mbilu_Yanga ) Miss Tomboy captured the shared anxiety many felt during the closing stages of the game.
She posted:
No game has ever stressed me like this one, that was the longest 7 minutes I’ve ever experienced in my entire existence.
Looking ahead with cautious optimism, (@monde031) Monde congratulated the team but highlighted finishing as a key area that still needs work.
He said:
Congratulations to the boys We are happy as a Country. Going forward we need to convert more of the opportunities we create. We’re good at keeping position and moving forward but lack the final finish. If we can fix that, we’re winning the AFCON.
On the Zimbabwean side, emotions were far more heated. (@MakuniGanya) Makuni reacted angrily to the defeat, accusing specific players of gifting South Africa their goals, a comment driven by frustration rather than confirmed facts.
He claimed:
Investigate Arubi, Nakamba and Lunga for match fixing. These three gifted Bafana Bafana all their goals. Think about it Bafana did no score any goals from open play. Arubi and Nakamba should never be part of our national team again going forward.
Another Zimbabwe supporter, Mbishi (@wefallnrise), used the moment to call for deeper structural change, criticising team selection and outside interference rather than the players’ ability.
He argued:
Next time team selection must be based on merit not nepotism. Zimbabwe is an offensive team by the nature of players around but every coach chooses defensive play. Change the system. Sponsors, politicians and zvigananda must never interfer with team selection. Zim has talent
The final whistle may have ended the match, but online, the debate is still raging. For both South Africa and Zimbabwe, this game left behind more than a scoreline; it exposed belief, doubt, pride, and unfinished business.
