South Africa edges Zimbabwe 3-2 in AFCON 2025 qualifying match

December 29, 2025 • Al Jazeera

South Africa edges Zimbabwe 3-2 in AFCON 2025 qualifying match

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South Africa Secures Second Spot in Group B with 3-2 Win Over Zimbabwe

In a match played on Monday, South Africa defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 in Marrakesh to secure second spot in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations. The victory came after Egypt maintained their unbeaten record with a goalless draw against Angola.

South Africa’s Tshepang Moremi scored the first goal for his team in the seventh minute, following a deflection off Divine Lunga that looped into the net. Zimbabwe responded with an excellent equalizer from Tawanda Maswanhise in the 19th minute, who dribbled past two defenders before scoring.

South Africa regained the lead five minutes after halftime when Lyle Foster scored on a header from Washington Arubi’s back pass to keeper Washington Arubi. However, Zimbabwe equalized again in the 73rd minute as Maswanhise’s low shot was saved by Ronwen Williams, but Aubrey Modiba inadvertently scored an own goal.

South Africa were awarded a penalty with 10 minutes remaining when Marvelous Nakamba made a goalkeeper-style diving save and handled a shot that appeared to be going wide. Oswin Appollis converted the penalty to seal the win for South Africa.

Egypt, who rested all their key players, maintained their unbeaten record in Group B with a goalless draw against Angola. The match was played on Monday, and Egypt finished their campaign with seven points. Angola’s two-point haul means they have an anxious wait to see if it is enough to advance to the knockout stages.

In other news, Comoros and Zambia will face an uncertain fate in Group A, while Tanzania and Uganda will play their last Group C matches on Tuesday.

Source: Al Jazeera