Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign came to an end on Monday night after a narrow 3–2 defeat to South Africa in their final Group B fixture at the Marrakech Stadium.
The loss condemned the Warriors to the bottom of the group and dashed their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
Bafana Bafana made an energetic start and tested Zimbabwe early through Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule. Their dominance was rewarded in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi’s shot deflected off Divine Lunga and found its way past the goalkeeper.
Zimbabwe gradually settled and began to threaten, with Tawanda Maswanhise causing problems down the flank. The winger produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 19th minute, weaving past three defenders before slotting home to bring the Warriors level.
Both sides went into halftime tied at 1–1.
South Africa controlled much of the second half and regained the lead after Lyle Foster pounced on a misplaced headed pass from Lunga, finishing decisively to make it 2–1.
The Warriors showed resilience and almost equalised through Maswanhise, whose fierce strike rattled the post. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Maswanhise’s effort was blocked by Ronwen Williams, with defender Aubrey Modiba inadvertently turning the rebound into his own net.
Zimbabwe had a late chance to take the lead, but substitute Macaulay Bonne was denied in a one-on-one by an excellent save from Williams.
Moments later, South Africa were awarded a penalty after Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Appollis stepped up and converted in the 81st minute to seal the victory.
The result saw South Africa progress to the Round of 16 alongside group winners Egypt. Angola finished third with two points following a scoreless draw against Egypt.
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