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Winger Oswin Reagan Appollis scored a penalty during Bafana Bafana’s AFCON game against Zimbabwe.
It is mission accomplished for South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. Bafana Bafana secured their place in the round of 16 courtesy of a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in their last Group B match in Marrakesh.
South Africa finished second in the group behind Egypt on six points and will play the team who finishes second in Group F in the first knockout round.
It could be Cameroon, Ivory Coast or Mozambique.
They play their last round of Group matches on Tuesday. Egypt played to a goalless draw with Angola in Agadir in their last Group B match to finish on seven points.
We have qualified for the next stage!!!!! pic.twitter.com/mLOdFnNPRm
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 29, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6uKeVfuO5E
South Africa started the game in second place behind Egypt in Group B, and they needed at least a draw to advance to the knockout stage.
And they made their intentions clear early in the match when Oswin Apollis’ snap shot almost beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Bafana Bafana opened the scoring in the 6th minute, when Tshepang Moremi’s shot was deflected into the net by Divine Lunga.
Zimbabwe started launching their own attacks, but defender Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana did well to foil the danger in this case.
The Warriors finally levelled matters after an individual solo goal from Tawanda Maswanhise in the 19th minute.
The Zimbabwe Warriors almost scored their second goal, when Munashe Garananga was unmarked in the box, but could not get his header on target.
It was then Bafana’s turn when Aubrey Modiba made a great run on the left flank, but Siphephelo Sithole’s tame header did not trouble Arubi. And moments later, Sipho Mbule’s long range shot was also dealt with by Warriors keeper.
Bafana started the second half on a high note when Lunga made a mistake with a back pass and Lyle Foster scored after a strong run.
It was his second goal of the tournament.
South Africa created another opportunity with Appolis and Foster combining, but Arubi made a great save.
The Warriors almost equalized in the 63rd minute, but Maswanhise was denied by the upright. But they were not denied in the 73rd minute when Modiba scored an unfortunate own goal, after great work from Maswanhise.
The decisive moment when VAR intervened and a penalty was awarded to Bafana after Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
And Apollis calmly converted the spot kick.
But Zimbabwe refused to lie down. They attacked relentlessly, but the defense and Ronwen Williams stood firm.
And it was relief all round for South Africa at the final whistle — 3-2 in their favour and onto the next round.
