Group B
Results:
*Zimbabwe 2-3 South Africa
*Angola 0-0 Egypt
Table
- Egypt – 7pts
- South Africa – 6
- Angola – 2
- Zimbabwe – 1
South Africa have stormed the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Round of 16 after edging Zimbabwe 3-2 in a Group B thriller on Monday at Stade de Marrakech.
Coming into their last group match, Bafana Bafana needed at least a draw to reach the last 16, and goals from Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster and Oswin Appolis handed the side their second win in three games.
Hugo Broos’ side struck after seven minutes, with Moremi’s shot taking a deflection that looped over goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Zimbabwe responded swiftly, getting their equaliser in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise who beat a couple of bodies before firing past Ronwen Williams.
In the second half, Foster capitalised on poor defending from Zimbabwe, reacting quickest to nod in a headed back pass just five minutes into restart and restore the lead for Bafana Bafana.
Zimbabwe never folded, leveling again with an own goal after Tawanda MaswanhVAR’s effort is saved by Williams but bounces off Aubrey Modiba to find the back of the net in the 73rd minute.
Bafana Bafana were later handed a lifeline – a penalty after a VAR review, for a handball by Marvelous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead and seemingly settling the contest.
The win meant South Africa finish with six points, having beaten Angola in their opener before falling to Egypt.
Egypt who rested Mo Salah, topped the group with seven points after a goalless draw with Angola.
Angola finish third with two points, and have to wait for the results from rest of the groups to confirm their ticket to the knockout.
It’s strong to note that the top two teams from each group, and four best third placed sides, progress to the round of 16.
