South Africa survived a scare against Zimbabwe to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, joining Egypt in progressing from Group B. In a thrilling match held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, South Africa edged out their regional rivals Zimbabwe 3-2.

The match, the first-ever AFCON finals encounter between Zimbabwe and South Africa, lived up to its billing with both teams fighting for a place in the Round of 16. South Africa took the lead early in the 7th minute when Tshepang Moremi's shot-cross deflected off Zimbabwe's Divine Lunga and into the net. However, Zimbabwe responded in the 19th minute through Tawanda Maswanhise, who skillfully dribbled past defenders before firing a low shot past the South African goalkeeper.

South Africa regained the lead in the second half with a goal from Lyle Foster, but Zimbabwe again equalized, this time through an Aubrey Modiba own goal, making it 2-2. The game appeared to be heading for a draw until a late VAR review spotted a handball by Zimbabwe's Marvelous Nakamba on the goal line. Oswin Appollis converted the resulting penalty to secure a 3-2 victory for South Africa.

With this win, South Africa finished second in Group B behind Egypt, who had already secured their qualification with six points. South Africa will now face the runner-up from Group F in the Round of 16 on January 4 in Rabat. For Zimbabwe, the loss means they finished bottom of the group and extended their unfortunate record of never progressing beyond the group stage in their AFCON appearances.

The match was the 20th overall meeting between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with South Africa holding a slight advantage with eight wins compared to Zimbabwe's six. South Africa are also unbeaten in their last four matches against Zimbabwe.

Egypt, with their strong pedigree as record holders of seven continental titles, had earlier underlined their dominance by seizing the top spot in Group B.

South Africa, along with Egypt, join Algeria and Nigeria as the teams that have so far qualified for the Round of 16. The remaining teams will be decided after the final group stage matches. The Round of 16 matches will be played from January 3–6, followed by the quarter-finals on January 9 and 10. The semi-finals are scheduled for January 13, and the final will be held in Rabat on January 18.