Southern African rivals South Africa and Zimbabwe are set to renew their rivalry in a decisive Group B encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, with qualification to the knockout stages hanging in the balance. The match will be played on Monday evening in Marrakesh at the Stade de Marrakech, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 CAT (GMT+2).
With Egypt already guaranteed top spot in the group, the focus now shifts to the race for second place, which will be settled in this final group fixture.
Bafana Bafana currently occupy second position with three points, having started their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Angola before losing 1–0 to Egypt. South Africa were left frustrated in that match after dominating long periods against opponents reduced to ten men, only to concede from a Mohamed Salah penalty.
As things stand, South Africa need only a win or a draw to progress to the Round of 16.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a do-or-die situation. The Warriors recovered from a late loss to Egypt by earning a 1–1 draw against Angola, with experienced forward Knowledge Musona netting the equaliser. However, bottom of the group with one point, Zimbabwe must claim all three points to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
Head coach Marian Marinica has made it clear that his side has no alternative but victory.
“There is no room for compromise — we have to win,” Marinica said, urging his players to remain calm and clinical in front of goal.
On the opposite bench, South Africa coach Hugo Broos has warned that his team will respond strongly after the disappointment against Egypt. He said the frustration stemming from controversial officiating decisions has only added motivation ahead of the Zimbabwe clash.
The match also carries historical significance. South Africa have not lost to Zimbabwe since 2013, including collecting four points from their neighbours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, several recent encounters between the two sides have ended goalless, highlighting how evenly matched the rivalry has become.
For Zimbabwe, Monday’s fixture is about survival. For Bafana Bafana, it represents an opportunity to seal qualification and avoid last-minute anxiety.
All eyes will be on Marrakesh as Group B reaches its dramatic conclusion.
