Oswin Appollis converted a late penalty to secure South Africa a 3-2 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on Monday, sealing qualification for the knockout stage after a match defined by momentum swings and decisive moments. The result placed Bafana Bafana second in Group B with six points, behind Egypt who finished top with seven following a 0-0 draw against Angola in Agadir. Zimbabwe exited the tournament with one point, while Angola finished on two and could still progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Marrakesh crowd, though small, brought energy to a fixture watched by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe. South Africa responded with an assertive opening that nearly produced an early breakthrough. In the sixth minute, a low drive from Appollis forced Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi into a late reaction as he gathered the ball just before it crossed the line. The warning proved brief.
Moments later, South Africa struck first. A swift switch of play found Tshepang Moremi just outside the box. His shot took a deflection off Divine Lunga and looped over the 40-year-old Arubi into the net. The goal gave South Africa early control and rewarded their aggressive start against familiar regional opponents.
Zimbabwe responded with purpose. Their equaliser on 19 minutes came through a moment of individual brilliance from Tawanda Maswanhise of Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. He collected possession inside the South African half, dribbled past two defenders, and finished calmly beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner. The goal shifted the rhythm of the contest and unsettled South Africa, who struggled to impose themselves for a spell.
How did Zimbabwe push South Africa to the limit?
Zimbabwe grew in confidence after leveling and came close to taking the lead before the break. A floated free kick found Munashe Garananga unmarked in the box, but his header sailed over from close range. The miss kept South Africa alive at a moment when pressure was mounting. Tensions rose late in the first half as Sipho Mbule, already booked, argued with the referee and risked further punishment, highlighting South Africa’s frustration at their inability to control proceedings.
The second half mirrored the first in intensity. South Africa again emerged with urgency and regained the lead five minutes after the restart. Burnley striker Lyle Foster chased down a headed back pass that caught Arubi slow to react, then leapt above the goalkeeper to nod the ball into the net. It was Foster’s second goal of the tournament, underlining his importance as South Africa’s only player currently competing in a major European league.
Zimbabwe refused to fade. Maswanhise remained the focal point of their attack and nearly scored again midway through the half when his curling effort from the edge of the box struck the post. His movement and direct running continued to test South Africa’s defensive structure.
The pressure eventually told. In the 73rd minute, Zimbabwe equalised through an own goal. A long pass from substitute Tawanda Chirewa released Maswanhise, whose shot was parried by Williams. The rebound struck defender Aubrey Modiba and rolled into the net, setting up a tense final stretch.
What decided the match in the closing minutes?
With the contest balanced and nerves evident, the decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. South Africa were awarded a penalty, and Appollis stepped up with composure. He converted confidently to restore the lead for a third time and swing the momentum decisively back toward Bafana Bafana. The goal reflected his influence throughout the match, from early chances to the final act.
Zimbabwe pushed forward in the closing minutes, but South Africa managed the game with improved discipline and organization. They absorbed late pressure and saw out the result, securing three vital points and a place in the last 16.
South Africa will now wait until Wednesday to learn their next opponents in the knockout stage, with defending champions Ivory Coast and five-time winners Cameroon among the likely possibilities.
By Yockshard Enyendi