South Africa were pushed to the limit but did just enough to secure a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe, finishing second in Group B and booking their place in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
It was a tense evening for Hugo Broos’ side, who impressed going forward but looked vulnerable at the back as Zimbabwe threatened to derail their qualification hopes. In the end, Bafana Bafana held firm to seal progress and keep their tournament alive.
Broos will take encouragement from his team’s attacking output. South Africa scored five goals across the group stage, with Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis each netting twice to underline their importance as the side’s main sources of goals. There was also a milestone moment for Tshepang Moremi, who celebrated his first international goal after having one ruled out for offside against Angola earlier in the group.
When South Africa kept the ball on the ground, they showed flashes of fluent, attractive football that will give them confidence heading into the last-16 clash.
Defensively, however, concerns remain. Zimbabwe created numerous openings and could have scored more, only to be denied by poor finishing and a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi endured a difficult outing, with gaps appearing between and behind the defence. Broos will know his side must tighten up quickly if they are to avoid an early exit in the knockout phase.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, so influential when South Africa finished third two years ago, has yet to hit those same heights in this tournament. The expectation is that he will need to find another level as the pressure intensifies.
Depth off the bench is another challenge. Broos has largely stuck with like-for-like substitutions, though the one potential game-changer is Relebohile Mofokeng. Still working his way back to full sharpness after injury, the youngster has only featured briefly but has the ability to produce decisive moments when it matters most.
South Africa will now face the runners-up from Group F in the last 16, with that opponent to be confirmed on Wednesday. The match will be played at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, and the reward for victory could be a quarter-final meeting with hosts Morocco.
For now, Bafana Bafana march on, relieved, tested, and aware that improvements are needed if their AFCON journey is to continue.
