South Africa became the fourth nation to qualify for the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations. In a tight game against Zimbabwe, Bafana Bafana struck late from the spot.
South Africa became the fourth nation to qualify for the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations. In the final group game in Marrakech, the third place team in the 2024 Africa Cup won against Zimbabwe 3-2.
Equalizer after an assist from Noah Fabisch
After just seven minutes, the favored South Africans took the lead through Tshepang Moremi (7th). But Zimbabwe, who needed a win to advance, equalized in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise after a pass from Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue) and were then significantly closer to the lead.
Shortly after the break, South Africa restored the lead after a defensive error, but then missed a great chance for a third goal and instead conceded the equalizer again in the 73rd minute after an own goal from Aubrey Modiba. The decision was ultimately made from the penalty spot: Oswin Appollis converted a hand penalty in the 82nd minute to secure the final score.
Group victory for Egypt
South Africa, the 1996 African champions, will move into the round of 16 as second in the group and can continue to dream of the title. In the parallel game, Egypt and Angola, who had already qualified for the round of 16 as group winners, drew 0-0. The Egyptians spared stars Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush.