Match report

South Africa Defeats Zimbabwe 3-2 in Africa Cup of Nations

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2–3
FT
South Africa
South Africa
Dec 29, 2025

South Africa narrowly defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations match, overcoming a spirited Zimbabwean comeback. Early goals by T. Moremi and L. Foster put South Africa in control, but T. Maswanhise's goal briefly equalized the score. An own goal and a penalty sealed South Africa's victory, despite Zimbabwe's late efforts.

Key Facts

  • • South Africa: T. Moremi (7'), L. Foster (50'), Aubrey Modiba (OG, 73'), O. Appollis (pen, 82')
  • • Zimbabwe: T. Maswanhise (19')
  • • Yellow cards: S. Mbule (South Africa, 34'), M. Nakamba (Zimbabwe, 81')
  • • Substitutions: S. Sithole for B. Aubaas (South Africa), B. Antonio for J. Zindoga (Zimbabwe)

Lineups

Zimbabwe

Starting XI

  • 22 W. Arubi (G)
  • 4 M. Garananga (D)
  • 2 G. Takwara (D)
  • 13 B. Galloway (D)
  • 5 D. Lunga (D)
  • 18 M. Nakamba (M)
  • 8 J. Fabisch (M)
  • 19 T. Maswanhise (M)
  • 12 B. Antonio (M)
  • 14 D. Msendami
  • 7 P. Dube (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 E. Chipezeze
  • 16 M. Mapisa
  • 21 G. Murwira
  • 23 E. Jalai
  • 24 I. Mauchi
  • 25 A. Mudimu
  • 3 S. Fusire
  • 6 P. Padera
  • 26 I. Wadi
  • 27 J. Zindoga
  • 9 M. Bonne
  • 11 W. Navaya
  • 20 T. Chirewa
  • 28 T. Chakuchichi

South Africa

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 R. Williams (G)
  • 20 K. Mudau (D)
  • 21 S. Ngezana (D)
  • 14 M. Mbokazi (D)
  • 6 A. Modiba (D)
  • 13 S. Sithole (M)
  • 4 T. Mokoena (M)
  • 8 T. Moremi (M)
  • 17 S. Mbule (M)
  • 7 O. Appollis (M)
  • 9 L. Foster (F)

Substitutes

  • 2 T. Smith
  • 3 K. Ndamane
  • 10 R. Mofokeng
  • 11 M. Nkota
  • 12 E. Mokwana
  • 15 B. J. Aubaas
  • 16 S. Chaine
  • 5 T. Mbatha
  • 18 S. Kabini
  • 19 N. Sibisi
  • 22 R. Goss
  • 23 E. Makgopa
  • 24 S. Campbell
  • 25 T. Matuludi

Timeline

  1. South Africa
    7' South Africa Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Moremi · Assist: L. Foster
  2. Zimbabwe
    19' Zimbabwe Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Maswanhise · Assist: J. Fabisch
  3. South Africa
    34' South Africa Card · Yellow Card
    S. Mbule

    Foul

  4. South Africa
    46' South Africa subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Sithole · On: B. Aubaas
  5. South Africa
    50' South Africa Goal · Normal Goal
    L. Foster
  6. Zimbabwe
    59' Zimbabwe subst · Substitution 1
    Off: B. Antonio · On: J. Zindoga
  7. Zimbabwe
    59' Zimbabwe subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. Msendami · On: T. Chirewa
  8. Zimbabwe
    60' Zimbabwe subst · Substitution 3
    Off: P. Dube · On: M. Bonne
  9. South Africa
    73' South Africa subst · Substitution 2
    Off: L. Foster · On: E. Makgopa
  10. Zimbabwe
    73' Zimbabwe Goal · Own Goal
    Aubrey Modiba
  11. Zimbabwe
    75' Zimbabwe subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Munashe Garananga · On: E. Jalai
  12. South Africa
    76' South Africa subst · Substitution 3
    Off: T. Moremi · On: M. Nkota
  13. South Africa
    80' South Africa Var · Penalty confirmed
    M. Nkota
  14. Zimbabwe
    81' Zimbabwe Card · Yellow Card
    M. Nakamba

    Handball

  15. South Africa
    82' South Africa Goal · Penalty
    O. Appollis
  16. South Africa
    86' South Africa subst · Substitution 4
    Off: S. Mbule · On: T. Mbatha
  17. Zimbabwe
    88' Zimbabwe subst · Substitution 5
    Off: J. Fabisch · On: T. Chakuchichi

Match Stats

Stat Zimbabwe South Africa
Fouls 14 11
Pass Accuracy 68% 83%
Offsides 5 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 10 16
Corners 3 3
Total Passes 242 487
Yellow Cards 1 1
Blocked Shots 2 2
Shots on Target 3 9
xG — —
Shots off Target 5 5
Possession 34% 66%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 165 404
Shots Inside Box 7 10
Saves 6 2
Shots Outside Box 3 6

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ T. Moremi's early goal (7') put South Africa ahead, setting the tone for the game.
  • ▸ The own goal by Aubrey Modiba (73') and the penalty by O. Appollis (82') sealed South Africa's victory despite Zimbabwe's efforts to level the score.