South Africa needs just a point against a desperate Zimbabwe side on Monday to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON knockout stages.
South Africa and Zimbabwe are set for a high-stakes showdown at the Stade de Marrakech this Monday to conclude Group B.
The “Bafana Bafana” currently sit in second place with three points, needing only a draw to guarantee their advancement to the knockout stages.
Following a frustrating 1-0 loss to Egypt, Hugo Broos’s side is eager to bounce back and maintain their decade-long unbeaten streak against their neighbors.
Zimbabwe enters the fixture facing a “must-win” scenario to avoid an early departure from the tournament.
Currently third in the group with just one point, the Warriors are fighting to reach the AFCON knockout phase for the first time in their history.
After a narrow defeat to Egypt and a resilient 1-1 draw with Angola, Mario Marinica’s men must find a way to overcome a side they have not defeated in over twelve years.
Injury concerns have hit the Zimbabwean camp, as they will be without key defender Teenage Hadebe following his early exit against Angola.
Brendan Galloway is expected to step into the back four to help contain a potent South African attack.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Zimbabwean veteran Knowledge Musona, who recently moved into second place on the nation’s all-time scoring list and remains his team’s primary threat in the final third.
South Africa is expected to recall Mohau Nkotaba and Sipho Mbule to the starting lineup to provide fresh energy in midfield.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead the line, supported by Oswin Appollis, as the team looks to replicate the form that saw them clinch their World Cup qualification spot earlier this year.
With a superior head-to-head record and a deeper squad, South Africa remains the favorite to secure the point they need for progression