Oswin Appollis scored a late penalty to seal a dramatic 3–2 win for South Africa over Zimbabwe on Monday night in Marrakesh, sending Bafana Bafana into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.
The victory took South Africa to six points in Group B. They now wait to learn their round-of-16 opponents, with defending champions Ivory Coast or five-time winners Cameroon the likely candidates.
Egypt finished top of the group with seven points after a goalless draw against Angola in Agadir. South Africa followed with six points. Angola ended with two points, while Zimbabwe finished bottom with one.
Angola still have a chance to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Fast Start for South Africa
South Africa started strongly in front of a small but lively crowd that included CAF president Patrice Motsepe. Appollis almost opened the scoring in the sixth minute when his low shot was nearly fumbled over the line by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
A minute later, Bafana Bafana took the lead. Tshepang Moremi fired in a shot from outside the box. A deflection off Divine Lunga sent the ball looping over the 40-year-old Arubi and into the net.
Maswanhise Sparks Zimbabwe Revival
Zimbabwe responded well and drew level in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise. The Motherwell midfielder picked up the ball inside South Africa’s half, beat two defenders, and calmly finished past Ronwen Williams.
The equaliser unsettled South Africa. Zimbabwe nearly went ahead when Munashe Garananga headed over from close range after a dangerous free-kick.
Tensions rose before halftime as Sipho Mbule, already on a yellow card, argued with the referee and narrowly avoided dismissal.
Foster Restores the Lead
South Africa came out strongly after the break. They regained the lead in the 50th minute through Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
Foster chased down a poor back pass, beat Arubi in the air, and headed into an empty net. It was his second goal of the tournament and another reminder of his growing importance to the team.
Zimbabwe Fight Back Again
Maswanhise remained Zimbabwe’s biggest threat. He struck the post with a curling effort midway through the second half.
The pressure eventually paid off. Zimbabwe equalised in the 73rd minute when Aubrey Modiba scored an unfortunate own goal after a parried shot rebounded off him and into the net.
Appollis Delivers the Decisive Moment
South Africa pushed for a winner and were rewarded in the 82nd minute. Appollis stepped up and calmly converted a penalty to make it 3–2.
Bafana Bafana held firm in the closing minutes to secure qualification for the knockout stage and keep their AFCON campaign alive.
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