South Africa booked their place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging Zimbabwe 3-2 in a dramatic Group B clash in Marrakech.
Oswin Appollis struck a late penalty to seal the win, lifting South Africa to second place in the group with six points, one behind group leaders Egypt. Both teams advanced to the last 16, while Angola finished third and now face an anxious wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third placed sides. Zimbabwe exited the tournament in bottom place.
South Africa led on three occasions but were repeatedly exposed at the back, a concern for coach Hugo Broos as his side again struggled to control the game defensively.
Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring after seven minutes, his shot deflecting off Divine Lunga and looping into the net for his first international goal. Zimbabwe responded with one of the goals of the tournament as Tawanda Maswanhise collected the ball from distance, beat two defenders, and fired a low shot past Ronwen Williams.
South Africa regained the lead early in the second half when Lunga’s misplaced header allowed Lyle Foster to nip in and score. Zimbabwe equalised again in the 73rd minute after Maswanhise’s effort was saved, only to deflect off Aubrey Modiba and into the net for an own goal.
The decisive moment came ten minutes from time when Marvelous Nakamba handled a shot inside the area. Appollis converted calmly from the spot to end Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Despite the victory, South Africa, who finished third at the last tournament and have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, have yet to fully convince and were frequently cut open by Zimbabwe’s attacking play.