Marrakech: Bafana Bafana has successfully qualified for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a thrilling victory against Zimbabwe. The South African senior men’s team emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in a gripping match held at the Marrakech Stadium in Morocco, securing their place in the last 16 of the tournament.

According to South African Government News Agency, the South African Football Association (SAFA) emphasized the significance of the final Group B match held on Monday night. Both South Africa and Zimbabwe, as members of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), had the opportunity to progress to the knockout stages. South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, saw his team take an early lead when Tshepang Moremi scored in the seventh minute, aided by a deflection off Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga.

Despite the early setback, Zimbabwe responded positively. Tawanda Mashwanhise leveled the score in the 19th minute, thrilling the crowd with his skillful play. South Africa regained the lead in the second half, only for Zimbabwe to equalize once more. The decisive moment came when Bafana Bafana was awarded a penalty due to a handball by Zimbabwe’s captain, Marvelous Nakamba. Oswin Appollis, named man of the match, confidently converted the penalty in the 82nd minute to secure the win.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie was in attendance, witnessing the national team’s achievement. Bafana Bafana is set to remain in Marrakech until later this week before traveling to Rabat for their last 16 match. The AFCON final is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture expressed its congratulations in a post on social media platform X, encouraging the team to continue representing the nation with pride.