The Southern African derby takes center stage today, Monday, December 29, 2025, as Zimbabwe and South Africa clash in their final AFCON 2025 Group B fixture. This is the first-ever meeting between these two neighbors in the AFCON finals, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
While South Africa is in the driver's seat for qualification, Zimbabwe is fighting to avoid a familiar early exit and make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Match Details
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group B, Matchday 3)
Kick-off: 16:00 GMT / 17:00 Local / 19:00 EAT
Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco
Broadcast: beIN SPORTS / Channel 4 (UK)
The Permutations: Who Needs What?
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| Egypt (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 6 |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Zimbabwe | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| Angola | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
South Africa: A win or a draw guarantees them second place and a spot in the Round of 16.
Zimbabwe: They must win. A victory would take them to 4 points, likely securing 2nd place (depending on Angola's result against Egypt) or at least positioning them as a top third-placed team.
Team News & Key Players
Zimbabwe: The History-Makers?
The Warriors showed great spirit in their 1–1 draw with Angola but are hampered by a major injury in defense.
Injury Blow: Star defender Teenage Hadebe is out after being forced off against Angola. Brendan Galloway is expected to step into the back three.
Key Player: Knowledge Musona. The 35-year-old veteran scored the equalizer against Angola and is now joint-second on Zimbabwe's all-time scoring list. He has a history of scoring against Bafana Bafana.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Arubi; Garan’anga, Takwara, Galloway; Lunga, Nakamba, Munetsi, Fabisch, Jalai; Musona, Prince Dube.
South Africa: Seeking Stability
Hugo Broos was left "200% motivated" after a controversial 1–0 loss to Egypt where Bafana Bafana felt they were denied a late penalty.
Key Player: Lyle Foster. The Burnley striker led the line well in the opener against Angola and will be the focal point of the attack today.
Tactical Note: South Africa has historically performed well against COSAFA neighbors but has struggled in "final group matches" in past AFCONs.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Mbatha, Moremi; Foster.
Head-to-Head: A Narrow Edge
The rivalry is incredibly close, though South Africa has had the better of recent years.
Total Meetings: 20
Results: South Africa (8 wins), Zimbabwe (6 wins), 6 Draws.
Recent Form: South Africa is unbeaten in their last four matches against Zimbabwe (W2, D2).
AFCON Context: Interestingly, all of Zimbabwe’s previous AFCON wins (3) have come on Matchday 3, giving fans a "superstitious" reason for hope.
Tactical Breakdown: Experience vs. Speed
Zimbabwe’s Wing-Back System
Coach Mario Marinica uses a system designed to maximize width. Expect Zimbabwe to push their wing-backs high to test South Africa’s full-backs, Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, aiming to provide crosses for the physical Prince Dube and the poaching instincts of Musona.
South Africa’s Technical Midfield
Bafana Bafana’s strength lies in the Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole partnership. They will look to control the tempo and play through the lines. If Zimbabwe pushes too high in search of the mandatory win, the pace of Oswin Appollis on the counter could be the deciding factor.
Match Prediction
Zimbabwe has been the "nearly" team of the tournament so far, leading against Egypt and drawing with Angola. However, South Africa’s squad depth and the motivation from their perceived injustice against Egypt might give them the edge. Expect a cagey affair that opens up late.
Final Score Prediction: Zimbabwe 1–2 South Africa
