Soccer
Bafana still in control of their AFCON destiny─── MORGAN PIEK 08:42 Mon, 29 Dec 2025
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged his charges to pitch up and bring their very best for Monday’s all-important Africa Cup of Nations Group B showdown against Zimbabwe in Marrakech.
Despite the heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Egypt in Agadir on Friday night, South Africa remain in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages. The top two teams in each group progress automatically, along with the four best third-placed sides - and Bafana are very much in the mix.
A win over Zimbabwe’s Brave Warriors will see South Africa finish second in the group, while even a draw could be enough. That would take Bafana to four points, leaving Zimbabwe stranded on two.
Ime Okon scoring for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe. Photo: Morgan Piek
Bafana are no strangers to their neighbours. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
On that night, Zimbabwe’s Bloemfontein-based Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi was in inspired form, producing a man-of-the-match performance between the sticks.
One scenario Bafana will be desperate to avoid is a penalty shootout. While skipper Ronwen Williams was the hero during South Africa’s memorable penalty drama at the 2023 AFCON, Arubi is a specialist in that department and prides himself on it. He showcased his credentials in the recent Carling Knockout Cup, where Marumo Gallants knocked out Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows on penalties en route to the final, with Williams on the losing side for Sundowns.
Broos has warned that, familiarity aside, Zimbabwe will pose a stern test, and his side must be fully locked in if they want their AFCON campaign to stay alive.
“It’s not the first time we play against Zimbabwe, and in the four years I’ve been coaching in South Africa, they’ve been in our group in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” said the Belgian mentor.
“So we know them very well. They know us very well, too, and they would like to win against us. We felt that already in the previous matches. Again, it will be tough, and we have to reach our best level to get a good result.”
Washington Arubi. Photo: Morgan Piek
Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying the squad is eager to carry momentum into the knockout rounds.
“We know that a victory will also be good motivation going into the next round,” said Sibisi. “So for us, we’re really looking forward to the game and hopefully getting a result.”
Monday’s crucial Group B encounter between South Africa and Zimbabwe kicks off at 18:00 at the Stade de Marrakech. At the same time, Egypt will take on Angola in Agadir, setting up a thrilling final day in the group.
