Zimbabwe Eliminated from AFCON 2025 After Thrilling Loss to South Africa
Zimbabwe has been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a close 3–2 defeat to South Africa in their final Group B match at Marrakech Stadium on Monday.
This loss marked the end of Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time, leaving them at the bottom of their group.
South Africa quickly took control of the match. In the seventh minute, Tshepang Moremi scored after his shot deflected off Divine Lunga into the net.
However, Zimbabwe responded well. Tawanda Maswanhise dazzled the crowd with a remarkable solo goal in the 19th minute, dribbling past three defenders before scoring to equalize.
The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
In the second half, South Africa regained their lead after Lyle Foster intercepted a careless pass and scored.
Zimbabwe pushed back, and Maswanhise almost scored again, hitting the post.
In the 74th minute, Zimbabwe managed to equalize when Aubrey Modiba accidentally turned the ball into his own net after a shot by Maswanhise was blocked.
As the match neared its end, Zimbabwe could have taken the lead, but Macaulay Bonne’s chance was stopped by a key save from South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The turning point came in the 81st minute when Marvelous Nakamba was penalized for a handball, allowing Oswin Appollis to score from the penalty spot.
The match concluded with South Africa winning 3-2, securing their place in the Round of 16 alongside Egypt.
Angola finished third in the group with two points after a scoreless draw against Egypt. -Soccer24
