South Africa AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Qualification Sealed with 3-2 Thriller
South Africa seals their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 qualification with a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe. Appollis' late penalty and Egypt's draw against Angola round out Group B.
A late-game penalty drama has cleared the path for Bafana Bafana. South Africa secured their spot in the knockout stages after a nail-biting victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh.
South Africa AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Qualification: Appollis Strikes Late
On Dec 29, 2025, South Africa edged out neighbors Zimbabwe in a 3-2 thriller to seal second spot in Group B. Oswin Appollis converted an 80th-minute penalty to break the deadlock after Zimbabwe's Marvelous Nakamba was caught handling a shot inside the area.
The match was a rollercoaster from the opening whistle. Tshepang Moremi scored his first international goal just 7 minutes in, but Zimbabwe's Tawanda Maswanhise responded with a stunning solo effort. South Africa's Lyle Foster restored the lead shortly after the break, though an own goal kept the contest alive until the final stages. The win pushes South Africa to 6 points, finishing just behind group winners Egypt.
Egypt Rests Stars in Stalemate Against Angola
Elsewhere, Egypt maintained their unbeaten run with a 0-0 draw against Angola. Having already confirmed top spot, the Pharaohs made 11 changes to their starting lineup, resting superstars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. While Egypt moves on as leaders, Angola faces a nervous wait to see if their two-point tally will be enough to qualify as a best third-placed side.
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