South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3-2 in a thrilling AFCON 2025 encounter that witnessed multiple lead changes and late drama.
Bafana Bafana took an early advantage through Tshepang Moremi’s seventh-minute strike, the midfielder finishing clinically from the right side of the penalty area after excellent build-up play involving Lyle Foster.
Zimbabwe responded with determination, equalising through Tawanda Maswanhise’s well-taken effort in the 19th minute. The winger capitalised on Jonah Fabisch’s precise assist to fire home from the centre of the box, restoring parity against the run of play.
The second half began with South Africa regaining their advantage through Foster’s powerful header five minutes after the restart. The striker rose unmarked at the far post to convert from close range, sending the South African supporters into raptures.
Drama intensified when Zimbabwe drew level again in the 73rd minute through an unfortunate own goal. Aubrey Modiba inadvertently deflected Tawanda Maswanhise’s goal-bound effort past his own goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, levelling proceedings once more.
The decisive moment arrived eight minutes from time when VAR intervened to award South Africa a crucial penalty. Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball inside the penalty area after initially blocking Mohau Nkota’s goal-bound attempt with his arm.
Oswin Appollis stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sending Washington Arubi the wrong way to secure all three points for Hugo Broos’ side. The winger’s composed finish into the bottom left corner proved the difference in a pulsating encounter.
Both managers made extensive use of their benches throughout the contest, with Zimbabwe introducing fresh legs through Macauley Bonne, Junior Zindoga, and Tawanda Chirewa. South Africa responded with their own tactical adjustments, bringing on Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha in the closing stages.
Williams produced several crucial saves to keep South Africa in contention, whilst his opposite number Arubi made impressive stops to deny both Sipho Mbule and Appollis earlier in the contest.
The victory maintains South Africa’s positive momentum in the tournament, whilst Zimbabwe will rue missed opportunities to secure at least a point from an entertaining encounter.
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