South Africa sealed their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe, while Angola were left on the brink of elimination following a frustrating goalless draw with Egypt on the final matchday of Group B.
Bafana Bafana knew victory would guarantee progress and they started on the front foot, taking the lead inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi struck after Oswin Appollis had already tested Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi, with a deflection proving decisive.
Zimbabwe responded through a moment of brilliance from Tawanda Maswanhise, who danced past defenders before firing low beyond Ronwen Williams to draw the Warriors level.
South Africa regained control early in the second half when Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive error, nodding into an empty net to restore their advantage.
Oswin Appollis. Photo Credit: AFP
The contest took another turn when Zimbabwe equalised again, Maswanhise’s effort rebounding off Aubrey Modiba and into the South Africa goal. With the match finely poised, the decisive moment arrived after Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball, allowing Appollis to calmly convert from the penalty spot and secure a vital win for Hugo Broos’ side.
Elsewhere in Group B, Angola’s hopes of qualification were dealt a major blow as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt. With everything on the line, the Palancas Negras pushed for a breakthrough but were unable to find a way past a rotated Egyptian side that had already secured progression.
Photo Credit: AFP
Egypt threatened in the first half through an overhead kick from Mostafa Mohamed that led to Hossam Abdelmaguid heading wide, while Angola went close when Chico Banza broke in behind the defence but saw his effort drift past the post.
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Angola increased the pressure after the break and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Banza went down in the area, but appeals were waved away. Fredy later came agonisingly close, striking a free-kick against the woodwork, before substitute M’Bala Nzola fired into the side netting in what proved to be their final meaningful chance.
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While South Africa move on from Group B after a thrilling victory, Angola are left relying on unlikely outcomes after being held to a draw that leaves them on the verge of another early AFCON exit.
