Bafana Bafana Secure AFCON Last-16 Spot with Thrilling Victory Over Zimbabwe
In a captivating encounter at the Marrakech Stadium on Monday evening, Bafana Bafana secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 round with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe. The match, filled with drama and excitement, saw South Africa emerge as Group B runners-up with six points, just one point behind group leaders Egypt.
Egypt's goalless draw against Angola proved crucial in the group standings. Angola finished their campaign in third place with two points, while Zimbabwe ended their AFCON journey at the bottom of the group with a single point from their three matches.
The South African side started the match with intent, pressing high and creating early opportunities. In the 6th minute, Oswin Appollis came close to breaking the deadlock, but his shot from inside the box was expertly saved on the line by Zimbabwe's goalkeeper, Washington Arubi.
However, Bafana Bafana's early pressure soon paid off. Just a minute later, Tshepang Moremi's deflected shot looped over Arubi and nestled into the net, giving South Africa a well-deserved lead. Arubi, the Marumo Gallants goalkeeper, could only watch as the ball sailed past him.
Zimbabwe, however, were not deterred by the early setback. The Warriors regrouped and found an equaliser in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise. Maswanhise displayed impressive skill, dribbling past several Bafana Bafana players before unleashing a powerful low shot that beat Ronwen Williams in goal.
A clumsy foul by Sphephelo Sithole just outside the penalty area in the 29th minute presented Zimbabwe with a golden opportunity to take the lead. However, Marvelous Nakamba squandered the chance, sending his free header over the crossbar.
As the first half progressed, Siyabonga Ngezana came close to restoring South Africa's lead in the 38th minute, but his header from an Aubrey Modiba free kick narrowly missed the target. Moments later, Arubi was again called into action, this time making a fine save to deny a long-range effort from Mbule, fisting the ball away to safety. The teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
Bafana Bafana continued their dominance after the restart, and it took them just five minutes to regain the lead. Lyle Foster capitalised on a poor back header from Divine Lunga, heading the ball over the advancing Arubi and into the net.
Zimbabwe refused to surrender, and Maswanhise almost grabbed his second goal of the match in the 64th minute, but his shot struck the upright with Williams well-beaten.
The Warriors eventually found an equaliser in the 73rd minute, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Maswanhise's shot was initially saved by Williams, but the ball rebounded off Aubrey Modiba and into the net for an own goal.
With the score level at 2-2 and the match hanging in the balance, Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when the ball struck the hand of a Zimbabwean player inside the box. Oswin Appollis stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, sending Arubi the wrong way and securing a crucial 3-2 lead for South Africa.
The late penalty proved to be the decisive moment, as Hugo Broos's charges held on to secure the victory and a place in the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. The match was a testament to Bafana Bafana's resilience and determination, as they overcame a spirited Zimbabwe side to progress in the tournament.
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