South Africa have booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B’s last round of matches on Monday (29 December).
Oswin Appollis converted a late penalty to decide a thrilling contest in Marrakech, sending the 1996 champions through as group runners-up with six points – one behind Egypt, who had already secured qualification and drew 0–0 with Angola in the group’s other fixture.
South Africa led twice, with Tshepang Moremi and Lyle Foster both on target, but were pegged back on each occasion by goals from Tawanda Maswanshise and an Aubrey Modiba own goal.
As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Zimbabwe midfielder Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for a handball on the goal line following a VAR review. Appollis stepped up to convert, scoring his second goal of the tournament. Bafana Bafana will now face the runners-up from Group F in the Round of 16.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/afcon-2025-south-africa-advance-round-of-16-thrilling-victory-over-zimbabwe
