Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. Photo: South African Football Association
As night falls over the Stade de Marrakech on Monday, the Moroccan winter chill will accompany heightened emotions.
For South Africa and Zimbabwe, the concluding match of Group B in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) carries monumental significance that transcends the sport.
After a series of unforgettable moments in Agadir and Marrakesh, the stakes are unmistakably clear.
Hugo Broos’ South Africa requires only a draw to progress to the round of 16. In contrast, Marian Marinică’s Zimbabwe must secure a win to retain any hope of advancing in the tournament.
The state of play: Group B permutations
Following two intensely competitive matches, Group B has proven to be one of the toughest sections of the tournament. Egypt, captained by the prolific Mohamed Salah, has clinched the group’s top position with six points and a goal difference of +2, following a contentious victory over South Africa.
The standings starkly demonstrate the slim margins that characterize African continental football.
Currently, South Africa is in second place with three points and an even goal difference. Both Angola and Zimbabwe, sitting in third and fourth respectively, have one point each with a goal difference of -1. This sets up a decisive final group match.
How Bafana Bafana advances
South Africa is in control of its destiny. Thanks to a 2-1 victory over Angola in their opening match, they hold a critical head-to-head advantage.
- With a win: South Africa would finish with six points, securing second place regardless of other match outcomes.
- With a draw: Bafana Bafana would end with four points. Even if Angola manages to defeat Egypt and reach four points, South Africa will advance as runners-up due to their earlier win against Angola.
- With a loss: This scenario would be disastrous, as a defeat would allow Zimbabwe to overtake them. South Africa would then be faced with the uncertainty of potentially qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Zimbabwe’s path is straightforward but limited. A victory would elevate them to four points, pushing them ahead of South Africa. Should Angola fail to beat Egypt, Zimbabwe would secure second place. If both teams manage to win, a tie on points would lead to a comparison of goal differences and total goals scored, following their previous 1-1 draw.
The atmosphere in South Africa’s camp is one of mixed emotions. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Egypt, determined by a penalty that raised eyebrows, has left a bitter taste. Broos expressed his concerns, stating, “Salah was surprised to get the penalty,” reflecting a sentiment shared within the squad, who felt they matched Egypt in many aspects.
Despite this setback, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s performance emerged as a bright spot. Recently linked with MLS side Chicago Fire, he stood resilient against both Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, earning respect from his teammates.
“When I go to the field, I don’t worry about who I am up against,” Mbokazi noted. “I learnt a lot from playing against someone with experience like Mo Salah. We must just remain together as a team… we have to win the next game at all costs.”
Thabang Matuludi echoed this determination, saying, “The mood is down, but we need to motivate each other. It is not over.”
Legend’s perspective: The 1996 blueprint
The current squad has the support of a football legend who understands the pressures of such tournaments. Edward ‘Magents’ Motale, who captained Bafana to victory in the 1996 Afcon and clinched the 1995 African Champions League with Orlando Pirates, believes the team is on the right path.
“Bafana played well against Egypt; besides the penalty, they gave a good account of themselves,” Motale told the Mail & Guardian. “If they can take that performance to Zimbabwe, it will be a walkover. They should not beat themselves up about the Egypt defeat.”
Motale emphasized the team’s collective strength, noting this squad functions as a united entity rather than depending on a singular star player.
Complicating matters for Zimbabwe is the absence of Marshall Munetsi, a key midfielder whose role is now vacant. Munetsi, known to fans from his tenure at Orlando Pirates, was omitted from the final squad due to injury concerns, a decision that has sparked discussions, as he claimed to be fit for the competition.
In South Africa, the absence of Themba Zwane has also been felt. Long a crucial part of the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana setup, his ongoing injury issues have left the creative midfield position unfilled, leading Broos to explore various tactical adjustments to bridge the gap.
