Zimbabwe – South Africa: last chance for the Warriors in Marrakech 
The verdict is close in Group B at AFCON 2025. Monday night at Marrakech Stadium, Zimbabwe and South Africa play for a ticket that could make history for one and simply confirm the pecking order for the other. The Warriors have no margin for error: only a win will get them into the knockout stages. The Bafana Bafana can live with a draw.
Zimbabwe: survive to keep the dream alive 
Zimbabwe’s return to AFCON hasn’t been a quiet ride. Shaken by a disastrous 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Warriors arrived with few certainties. On the pitch, though, they’ve been scrappy and combative.
Against Egypt in the opener they made the Pharaohs sweat. Prince Dube even opened the scoring, but experience spoke late — Mohamed Salah turned it around in the dying seconds.
Against Angola in the second game, Zimbabwe refused to fold. They fell behind early but Mario Marinica’s side levelled just before the break through Knowledge Musona. The 1-1 draw keeps the Warriors alive, but pressure remains heading into this finale.
South Africa: pragmatism first 
South Africa kicked off their AFCON perfectly, beating Angola 2-1 with goals from Appollis and Lyle Foster. That win put the Bafana Bafana in a comfortable position.
The loss to Egypt in the second game left a sour taste. Even with a man advantage, Hugo Broos’ side went down to a penalty in a match full of controversial refereeing decisions.
Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, South Africa know how to handle this kind of fixture. Unbeaten against Zimbabwe for over a decade, they’ll approach this match aiming to control the game without taking unnecessary risks.
Probable lineups
Zimbabwe : Arubi, Lunga, Galloway, Takwara, Jalai, Nakamba, Fabisch, Antonio, Musona, Dube, Bonne
South Africa : Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Nkotaba, Mbule, Appollis, Foster
Takeaways
- Zimbabwe must win to keep hopes of a historic qualification alive.
- South Africa can settle for a draw.
- Musona is still the Warriors’ main attacking threat.
- The Bafana Bafana have dominated recent meetings.
Football Prediction Zimbabwe vs South Africa
South Africa to win
Pressure will be max — especially for Zimbabwe. Intensity should be there, but South Africa’s experience and discipline can tilt the game. In a likely cagey match, the Bafana Bafana have the tools to win or, at worst, avoid getting caught out.
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