South Africa barely scraped through after a wild game decided by a handball. Bafana Bafana beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in a Group B thriller to reach the AFCON knockout stage, advancing alongside group winners Egypt. The match turned on a late penalty awarded after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball in the box. Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis converted the spot-kick past goalkeeper Washington Arubi for the winning goal.
The game started with an early strike from South Africa's Tshepang Moremi, but Zimbabwe equalized through Tawanda Maswanhise. Lyle Foster put South Africa ahead again after halftime before an own goal from Aubrey Modiba leveled the score. The decisive penalty came after a VAR review confirmed Nakamba's handball. South Africa then held on through a nervy finish to secure their round of sixteen place, their first knockout berth in several tournaments. The result eliminated Zimbabwe despite a determined effort.
The game started with an early strike from South Africa's Tshepang Moremi, but Zimbabwe equalized through Tawanda Maswanhise. Lyle Foster put South Africa ahead again after halftime before an own goal from Aubrey Modiba leveled the score. The decisive penalty came after a VAR review confirmed Nakamba's handball. South Africa then held on through a nervy finish to secure their round of sixteen place, their first knockout berth in several tournaments. The result eliminated Zimbabwe despite a determined effort.
