Foster Leads South Africa Past Zimbabwe in Afcon Thriller to Seal Knockout Spot
So, this was one of those Africa Cup of Nations games that had everything in it, and honestly, it felt like it could swing either way right until the end. South Africa have officially booked their place in the last 16 of Afcon 2025 after edging past Zimbabwe 3–2 in a dramatic Group B clash played in Marrakech. It was tense, open, and full of momentum shifts, the kind of match that keeps you glued from the first whistle to the final stoppage time.
South Africa got off to the perfect start, and it happened almost immediately. Inside the opening seven minutes, pressure was applied high up the pitch, a shot was taken by Tshepang Moremi, and a wicked deflection ended up looping the ball over Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi. It was one of those goals that looks scrappy on replay, but it counted just the same and gave Bafana Bafana early control.
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That control didn’t last long, though. Zimbabwe responded with real confidence, and the equaliser was pure quality. Tawanda Maswanhise picked up the ball, danced his way through the South African defence, and fired a beautiful finish into the corner. It was a goal that lifted the whole team and reminded everyone that Zimbabwe weren’t there just to make up the numbers.
The second half came alive even more. South Africa were sharper after the break, and their lead was restored in the 50th minute. Lyle Foster, who has been so important for them in this tournament, reacted quickest to a loose header in the box and nodded the ball home. Once again, South Africa were in front, and it felt like their experience might carry them through.
But Zimbabwe refused to fade away. Changes were made to inject energy, and a slice of luck brought them level again. A save was made by Ronwen Williams, but the ball rebounded cruelly off defender Aubrey Modiba and ended up in the net for an own goal. At 2–2, the match was wide open, and nerves were clearly creeping in.
The decisive moment came late on. After a VAR check, Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for a handball in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, and that goal ultimately sealed the win.
With this result, South Africa finish second in Group B and move on to the knockout stage for the eighth time in their Afcon history. Zimbabwe, despite their spirit and flashes of quality, exit the tournament once again at the group stage, still searching for that elusive breakthrough.
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