South Africa vs Zimbabwe: Explosive Afcon 2025 Group B Decider in Marrakesh

Regional rivals South Africa and Zimbabwe are set for a high-stakes showdown in their final Group B fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2025).

The clash takes place at Marrakesh Stadium on Monday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm CAT (GMT+2).

Zimbabwe Must Win to Keep Afcon Dream Alive

Zimbabwe Afcon 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. After a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their opening match, the Warriors bounced back with a 1-1 draw against Angola. Veteran striker Knowledge Musona, recalled to the starting XI, delivered a superb equaliser to secure Zimbabwe’s first point of the tournament.

With just one point, Zimbabwe sit bottom of Group B and know that only a win against South Africa will give them a realistic chance of reaching the Afcon knockout stage for the first time in history.

South Africa Eye Knockout Qualification

South Africa (Bafana Bafana) began their campaign strongly with a 2-1 victory over Angola, but stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Egypt in Agadir. Mohamed Salah’s penalty proved decisive, though Hugo Broos’s men were left furious after a late VAR hand-ball review went against them despite dominating the second half against 10-man opposition.

Sitting second in Group B with three points, South Africa need only a draw to secure qualification for the Afcon 2025 Round of 16.

Coaches Call for Ruthlessness and Motivation

Talking supersport.com, Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has urged his side to show composure and ruthlessness in front of goal, stressing that only a clinical performance will keep their Afcon hopes alive.

“We need a win from the last match in order to go through […] I think we need to have more composure in front of goal and try to take our chances a bit cleaner.”

Mario Marinica

South Africa coach Hugo Broos told supersport.com wants his team to channel their frustration from the Egypt defeat into Monday’s clash, insisting the controversial decisions have “motivated us 200 per cent” to beat their neighbours.

The decisions that were made here today on the pitch have motivated us 200 per cent to win the game on Monday against Zimbabwe.

Hugo Broos

Key Players to Watch

• Knowledge Musona (Zimbabwe): The veteran forward has already proven his worth with a crucial equaliser against Angola and will again carry the hopes of his nation.
• Oswin Appollis (South Africa): Creative spark who will be vital in breaking down Zimbabwe’s defence and ensuring Bafana Bafana avoid a nervy finale.

South Africa vs Zimbabwe Rivalry History

The rivalry between South Africa and Zimbabwe football teams runs deep. Across 19 meetings, South Africa have claimed eight wins, Zimbabwe six, with five draws. Bafana Bafana are unbeaten against their neighbours since 2013.

Most recently, South Africa took four points off Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a 3-1 win in Bloemfontein followed by a goalless draw in Durban. Those results helped secure South Africa’s long-awaited return to the global stage for the first time since 2010.

Afcon 2025 Group B Stakes

With Egypt already confirmed as Group B winners, all eyes are on Marrakesh. South Africa need a point to advance, while Zimbabwe must win to keep their Afcon dream alive.

South Africa vs Zimbabwe Afcon 2025 promises to be one of the most explosive fixtures of the tournament, with knockout football on the line and national pride at stake.