South Africa secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakech to clinch second place in Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Agadir, topping the group with seven points. The results eliminate both Angola and Zimbabwe from the tournament.
In a thrilling Group B finale on December 29, 2025, South Africa advanced to the knockout stages with a hard-fought 3-2 win against neighbors Zimbabwe in Marrakech. Bafana Bafana, needing just a point for progression, took the lead in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi's deflected shot looped over goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Zimbabwe equalized 12 minutes later through Tawanda Maswanhise, who fired into the bottom-left corner after a strong run.
South Africa regained the advantage early in the second half, with Lyle Foster heading home in the 50th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error. Oswin Appollis was denied by Arubi soon after, but Zimbabwe leveled the score in the 73rd minute when Aubrey Modiba unfortunately put the ball into his own net. The turning point came in the 82nd minute: following a VAR review, Marvelous Nakamba was penalized for handball, and Appollis converted the penalty to seal the victory and second spot behind Egypt.
Simultaneously in Agadir, Egypt played out a goalless draw with Angola, preserving their perfect group record. The seven-time champions, already qualified, rested key players like Mohamed Salah. Egypt dominated possession but couldn't break through, with Mostafa Mohamed missing chances and Angola's Fredy hitting the post from a free kick. Mabululu forced saves from Mostafa Shobeir for Angola, who finish third and exit the tournament alongside Zimbabwe.
South Africa's progression sets up a last-16 clash, while Egypt awaits their opponent as group winners.
