South Africa knew that even a draw would be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. But playing for safety was never part of the plan. Showing ambition and composure, Hugo Broos’ side claimed a crucial victory over Zimbabwe, finishing the group stage in second place.

The match delivered exactly what neutral fans crave — drama, goals and momentum swings. Zimbabwe refused to fade quietly, twice clawing their way back into the contest and briefly keeping hopes of a miracle alive. Each equaliser lifted belief and turned the game into a wide-open spectacle.

However, South Africa ultimately proved their quality when it mattered most. The decisive third goal broke Zimbabwean resistance and underlined the Bafana Bafana’s growing confidence as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Zimbabwe - RSA 2:3 (1:1)
Goals: Moremi, 7 (0:1); Maswanhise, 19 (1:1); Foster L., 50 (1:2); Modiba, 73 (own goal) (2:2); Appollis, 82 (penalty) (2:3)

Zimbabwe: Arubi; Takwara; Garananga (Jalai, 75); Lunga; Galloway; Fabisch (Chakuchichi, 88); Antonio B. (Zindoga, 60); Nakamba; Msendami (Chirewa, 59); Maswanhise; Dube P. (Bonne, 59)
Substitution: Chirewa (from 59); Bonne (from 59); Zindoga (from 60); Jalai (from 75); Chakuchichi (from 88)
Bench: Chipezeze; Mapisa; Fusire; Murwira; Mauchi; Mudimu; Padera; Wadi; Navaya
Yellow Cards: Nakamba 81

RSA: Williams Ro.; Modiba; Mbokazi; Mudau; Ngezana; Mokoena; Sithole (Aubaas, 46); Mbule (Mbatha, 86); Appollis; Moremi (Nkota, 76); Foster L. (Makgopa, 73)
Substitution: Aubaas (from 46); Makgopa (from 73); Nkota (from 76); Mbatha (from 86)
Bench: Chaine; Goss; Smith T.; Ndamane; Kabini; Sibisi; Matuludi; Mofokeng; Mokwana; Campbell S.
Yellow Cards: Mbule 34