Bafana Bafana Dig Deep to Book AFCON Last-16 Place

South Africa are through to the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations after a pulsating 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in their final Group B match at the Stade de Marrakech on Monday night.

Bafana Bafana made a dream start, striking inside seven minutes when Tshepang Moremi finished confidently after good work from Lyle Foster. The early goal settled South Africa, who looked sharp in possession and purposeful going forward.

Zimbabwe responded well and found their way back into the contest midway through the first half. Tawanda Maswanhise punished a lapse in the South African backline, steering home to make it 1-1 and inject belief into the Warriors.

The second half belonged largely to South Africa, at least initially. Lyle Foster restored the lead shortly after the restart, rising highest to head home and put Hugo Broos side back in control. With chances flowing, Bafana looked capable of pulling clear.

Instead, the match turned chaotic. An unfortunate own goal by Aubrey Modiba handed Zimbabwe an equaliser, swinging momentum and setting up a nervy final quarter. Zimbabwe pressed, sensing a chance to upset the group favourites, while Ronwen Williams was called into action to keep South Africa level.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when VAR intervened after a handball by Marvelous Nakamba in the penalty area. Oswin Appollis stepped up under immense pressure and calmly converted from the spot, sending the South African bench into celebration.

Zimbabwe threw everything forward in the closing minutes, forcing corners and free kicks deep into stoppage time, but South Africa held firm to see out the result and confirm their place in the Round of 16.

The win underlined Bafana Bafana resilience and attacking depth, with key contributions across the pitch, and now they march on with confidence as the knockout phase of AFCON 2025 awaits.