Oswin Appollis struck a late penalty to seal a dramatic 3-2 win for South Africa over Zimbabwe on matchday three of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage, a result that confirmed Bafana Bafana’s progression to the round of 16 as Group B runners-up and condemned the Warriors to elimination, Softfootball reports.
Coming into the decisive clash off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt, South Africa knew only a positive result would guarantee their place in the knockouts. With qualification also on the line for Zimbabwe, the contest burst into life early on as Hugo Broos’ men made a flying start.
Bafana Bafana raced into a seventh-minute lead when Tshepang Moremi found the net, just moments after Appollis had forced Washington Arubi into a sharp save. Moremi’s effort took a wicked deflection that wrong-footed the Zimbabwe goalkeeper, marking the second time South Africa have scored the opening goal at this year’s tournament.
South Africa continued to press with confidence, but their momentum was halted by a moment of individual brilliance from Tawanda Maswanhise. The 23-year-old dazzled his way past two defenders with quick footwork and stepovers before firing a low strike beyond Ronwen Williams to score his first international goal since November 2024. Arubi then kept Zimbabwe level heading into the break by pushing away Sipho Mbule’s powerful long-range effort.
The Warriors’ resistance did not last long after the restart, though, as South Africa regained the lead courtesy of a defensive mix-up. A wayward header from Divine Lunga allowed Lyle Foster to pounce, with the Burnley striker nodding into an empty net to claim his second goal of the tournament.
During the game, Caf via its official X handle, shared the highlight of Lyle foster’s celebration after scoring South Africa’s second goal to retake the lead. They posted:
Zimbabwe refused to go quietly and once again found inspiration in Maswanhise, who rattled the post with a low drive before playing a key role in the 73rd-minute equaliser. His initial effort was saved, but the rebound ricocheted off the unfortunate Aubrey Modiba and into the net for an own goal, setting up a tense finale.
The decisive moment arrived when Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for a careless handball inside the box. Appollis stepped up with composure, sending Arubi the wrong way from the spot to restore South Africa’s advantage late on. Bafana Bafana held firm thereafter to avoid a third equaliser and book their place in the last 16.
After the game, Caf via its official X handle, shared the post match reaction of Bafana Bafana players and team officials celebrating with the fans after they secured a round of 16 spot. They posted:
For Zimbabwe, the defeat capped a disappointing group campaign. After losing 2-1 to Egypt in their opener and drawing 1-1 with Angola, the Warriors finish the group with just one point from three matches. It also extends a grim record, with Zimbabwe now exiting at the group stage in all six of their AFCON appearances.
South Africa, meanwhile, bounce back impressively from their loss to Egypt, carrying momentum and belief into the knockout rounds as they continue their quest for continental glory.
