Oswin Appollis struck a decisive late penalty as South Africa edged past Zimbabwe 3-2 in a pulsating Group B encounter on matchday three of the Africa Cup of Nations, on Monday, December 29, 2025.
The result sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages and confirmed the Warriors’ elimination. With both sides knowing qualification was at stake, South Africa started on the front foot and were rewarded inside seven minutes.
Moments after forcing Washington Arubi into a sharp save, Appollis was again involved as Tshepang Moremi capitalised, his effort taking a cruel deflection to give Bafana Bafana the early lead.
The momentum was firmly with South Africa until Zimbabwe produced a moment of inspiration. Tawanda Maswanhise lit up the contest with a dazzling solo run, gliding past two defenders before drilling a low finish beyond Ronwen Williams to draw the Warriors level.
2025 AFCON: Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan beat Equatorial Guinea
Arubi then kept Zimbabwe alive with an excellent save from Sipho Mbule as the sides went into the break all square.
South Africa regained the advantage early in the second half when Lyle Foster pounced on a defensive mix-up, beating Arubi to a loose header and nodding into an unguarded net for his second goal of the tournament.
Yet Zimbabwe refused to fold. Maswanhise again led the charge, striking the post before his persistence resulted in an unfortunate own goal from Aubrey Modiba to make it 2-2.
The drama peaked late on when Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball.
Appollis kept his nerve from the spot, sending Arubi the wrong way to seal victory.
South Africa held firm to progress, while Zimbabwe’s wait to escape the AFCON group stage goes on.
FKA/JE
