AFCON 2025
South Africa progressed into the second of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow win over fierce rival Zimbabwe.
The Bafana Bafana came into the tie needing a response after the defeat to Egypt jn their second group game.
Zimbabwe needed an outright win over their COSAFA neighbors to stand a chance of qualifying after a loss and draw in their opening teo matches.
The Warriors fought valiantly indeed in the keenly contested tie in Marrakech on Monday evening but were let down by individual errors.
Washington Arubi was left helpless as Tshepang Moremi’s shot from Lyle Foster’s pass took a defection before landing inside the net.
Down but not out, Zimbabwe responded just before the 20th minute minute Tawanda Maswanhise cut through South Africa’s defense before firing a low drive into the bottom corner.
The first ended a goal apiece as Zimbabwe went into the dug out the better side as they played with confidence.
However, Lyle Foster took advantage of a gap in communication between Arubi and Divine Lunga as a headed the ball into an empty net to give South Africa the led again a few minutes after the restart.
Zimbabwe went on the attack again and Maswanhise attempt on goal from range clips the outside of the right post.
Arubi was called into action at the other end as he made a fiine save to deny Mbule from a long range shot.
Unfortunately, Aubrey Modiba put the ball into his net as Rowen Williams’ save from Maswanhise’s shot came off his head before crossing the goal line.
The entralliing tie didn’t end a two goals apiece as a comical and “unmarvelous” defending from Marvelous Nakamba gave South Africa with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Oswin Appollis gave South Africa the lead again for the third time in the match and this time the Bafana Bafana held on to seal a 3-2 win as they progresses to the second round with six points- one behind group winners Egypt who played a goalless draw in the other group match against Angola.
Angola are on three points and currently outside of the top four best losers. The Palancas Negras will hope for favorable results in other groups to stand a chance of qualifying for the round of sixteen.
