Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Heartbreak for Zimbabwe as Late VAR Penalty Sends South Africa to Round of 16
The Zimbabwe Warriors have crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in agonizing fashion, suffering a 3-2 defeat to neighbors South Africa in a chaotic Group B decider in Marrakech, Morocco. In a match defined by relentless attacking and defensive lapses, it was a 94th-minute VAR decision against Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba that allowed Oswin Appollis to slot home the winner, sending Bafana Bafana through and breaking Zimbabwean hearts.
The "Limpopo Derby" Thriller
The stakes couldn't have been higher at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. South Africa drew first blood in the 15th minute when Tshepang Moremi latched onto a through ball to fire past the Zimbabwean goalkeeper. However, the Warriors responded with tenacity. Leicester City prospect Tawanda Maswanshise leveled the score just before halftime with a curling effort that left Ronwen Williams stranded.
The second half saw Bafana Bafana retake the lead through Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who headed home a cross in the 58th minute. But Zimbabwe refused to die. In the 75th minute, intense pressure from the Warriors forced an error from South African defender Aubrey Modiba, who tragically deflected a cross into his own net to make it 2-2. At that moment, Zimbabwe looked energized enough to push for a winner.
The Decisive Moment
With the game tied at 2-2 and heading into stoppage time, tragedy struck for Zimbabwe. A goal-mouth scramble saw the ball strike the arm of midfielder Marvelous Nakamba on the goal line. Initially waved away, the referee was summoned to the VAR monitor. After a tense review, a penalty was awarded, and Nakamba was shown a yellow card.
Oswin Appollis, who has been a revelation for South Africa in this tournament, stepped up under immense pressure. He coolly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure a 3-2 victory. The final whistle blew moments later, sparking wild celebrations for the South Africans and leaving the Zimbabwean players collapsing to the turf in tears.
Final Group B Standings
With Egypt drawing 0-0 against Angola in the simultaneous fixture, the final Group B table is confirmed:
- 1. Egypt: 7 Points (Qualified)
- 2. South Africa: 6 Points (Qualified)
- 3. Angola: 2 Points (Eliminated)
- 4. Zimbabwe: 1 Point (Eliminated)
South Africa now advances to the Round of 16, where they will face the runner-up of Group F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Following the 3-2 loss to South Africa, Zimbabwe finished at the bottom of Group B with only 1 point and has been eliminated from the tournament in Morocco.
Zimbabwe's goals came from Tawanda Maswanshise and an own goal by South African defender Aubrey Modiba.
Bafana Bafana have qualified for the Round of 16 as the Group B runners-up. They are scheduled to face the Runners-up of Group F in the knockout stage.
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