South Africa defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 to qualify for the AFCON 2025 knockout stages as Group B runners-up, while group leaders Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola.
South Africa secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on Monday.
Oswin Appollis sealed the win with a clinical penalty in the final 10 minutes, ensuring Bafana Bafana finished second in Group B with six points.
The result eliminates Zimbabwe from the competition, while South Africa moves forward to the knockout stages despite a defensive performance that coach Hugo Broos found concerning.
The match saw South Africa lead three times, starting with Tshepang Moremi’s early deflected opener.
Zimbabwe responded through a brilliant solo effort by Tawanda Maswanhise, who “danced past two defenders before drilling a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.”
Lyle Foster restored the lead after a defensive mix-up, but a Maswanhise shot resulted in an Aubrey Modiba own goal to level the game again.
The decisive moment came when Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball in the area.Meanwhile, a heavily rotated Egypt side maintained their unbeaten record with a 0-0 draw against Angola.
Having already clinched the top spot in Group B, the Pharaohs rested stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Egypt finished the group stage with seven points and will remain in Agadir for their upcoming last-16 clash.
Angola, finishing third with two points, faces a nervous wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.