South Africa advanced to the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after fending off a late scare to beat Zimbabwe 3–2 in a drama-filled Group B match on Monday night.
It was a game marked by momentum shifts, emotional highs and lows, and relentless pressure. South Africa scored first after just seven minutes when Tshepang Moremi reacted quickest to lift the ball over goalkeeper Arubi following a fortunate deflection.
Fueled by confidence, Bafana Bafana continued to control the attacking tempo, with Thapelo Mbule and Oswin Appollis pushing the team forward. However, Zimbabwe refused to back down and responded brilliantly in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise, who dazzled with individual skill before unleashing a powerful shot to level the scores.
Also read: AFCON: Morocco smash Zambia 3–0 to finish top as Mali scrape through in Group A
South Africa regained their lead early in the second half when Lyle Foster punished hesitant defending by heading a looping ball past Arubi in the 50th minute. Zimbabwe kept their belief alive, and Maswanhise nearly equalised again when his thunderous strike crashed against the post.
The turning point arrived in the 82nd minute. After a VAR review confirmed a handball by Marvellous Nakamba, Appollis coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to extend South Africa’s cushion.
Drama wasn’t over. An unfortunate own goal by Aubrey Modiba breathed fresh life into Zimbabwe’s hopes, setting up a tense finale as the Warriors piled forward in stoppage time. But South Africa remained composed under pressure, defending bravely to seal a vital victory.
Bafana Bafana advance with six points to finish second in the group, while Zimbabwe bow out of the tournament bottom with a single point, despite their spirited performance.
In the other group match, Angola and Egypt battled to an intense 0–0 draw at the Stade d’Agadir, a game defined by physical duels, tactical discipline, and missed chances rather than goals.
Angola shaded proceedings, especially after the break, but Egypt’s organisation and defensive structure ensured both sides shared the spoils.
The Palancas Negras created early problems, with Kialonda Gaspar missing a promising opportunity in the 11th minute. Egypt responded through Mostafa Mohamed, whose acrobatic effort caused brief panic before the rebound was wasted.
As the half progressed, Angola asserted themselves, with Chico Banza firing narrowly wide and Fredy forcing an outstanding save in the 44th minute. By halftime, Angola looked the more confident side.
That dominance continued in the second half. Fredy struck the woodwork with a superb free-kick in the 53rd minute, while Mabululu and Modesto continued to drive Angola forward. Substitute M’Bala Nzola almost sealed it late, only to see his effort skim the post.
Egypt, under pressure for long spells, relied on resilience rather than rhythm, holding firm to secure a valuable point as the group stage moves toward its decisive climax.