AFCON 2025: Appollis’ late penalty sends South Africa past Zimbabwe into last 16
Oswin Appollis’ late penalty secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for South Africa over Zimbabwe on Monday night in Marrakesh, sending Bafana Bafana into the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
South Africa finished second in Group B with six points and will discover their knockout-stage opponents on Wednesday. They are set to face either defending champions Ivory Coast or five-time winners Cameroon on Sunday.
Fast start from Bafana Bafana
South Africa began on the front foot and nearly took the lead inside six minutes when Appollis fired a low shot that Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi only just clawed away before it crossed the line.
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A minute later, Bafana Bafana were ahead. Rising star Tshepang Moremi struck from outside the box, with his effort taking a deflection off Divine Lunga and looping over the 40-year-old Arubi into the net.
Maswanhise inspires Zimbabwe response
Zimbabwe responded strongly and deservedly equalised in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell. The winger won possession inside the South African half, skipped past two defenders and finished calmly beyond captain Ronwen Williams.
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The goal unsettled South Africa, who were fortunate not to concede again when Munashe Garananga headed over from close range following a free-kick.
Frustration crept in before the break, with Sipho Mbule, already on a yellow card, lucky to avoid further punishment after arguing with the referee.
Foster restores the lead
As in the first half, South Africa started the second period aggressively and were rewarded on 50 minutes. Lyle Foster chased down a loose back pass, outjumped Arubi and nodded into the empty net.
It was Foster’s second goal of the tournament, following his winner against Angola, underlining his importance as the only South African currently playing in a major European league.
Late drama seals qualification
Maswanhise remained Zimbabwe’s biggest threat and struck the post with a curling effort midway through the half. Zimbabwe finally drew level again in the 73rd minute, albeit fortuitously.
A long pass from substitute Tawanda Chirewa released Maswanhise, whose shot was parried by Williams. The rebound struck Aubrey Modiba and rolled into the net for an own goal.
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With tension rising, South Africa were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute, which Appollis converted calmly to restore the lead for the third time. Bafana Bafana held on to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Group B standings
- Egypt (7 points) – topped the group after a 0-0 draw with Angola
- South Africa (6 points)
- Angola (2 points)
- Zimbabwe (1 point)
Angola could still progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
SportsLigue