APPOLLIS PENALTY SEALS SOUTH AFRICA'S COMEBACK WIN
Key Takeaways
- • South Africa rallied from behind twice to defeat Zimbabwe 2-3 in a thrilling encounter
- • Oswin Appollis converted an 82nd-minute penalty after Marvelous Nakamba's handball sealed the comeback
- • South Africa dominated possession at 66% and peppered Zimbabwe's goal with 16 shots
- • Washington Arubi's six saves kept Zimbabwe competitive until the late penalty drama
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO — With both nations seeking momentum in the Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa and Zimbabwe delivered a pulsating encounter that swung dramatically before Bafana Bafana secured a 2-3 victory through late penalty heroics. The match showcased contrasting philosophies: South Africa's possession-based dominance against Zimbabwe's resilient counter-attacking approach, with the Warriors twice taking the lead before ultimately succumbing to their opponents' relentless pressure.
The opening exchanges set the tone for an open, attacking contest. Tshepang Moremi broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, rifling a left-footed shot from the right side of the box to the high centre of the goal after Lyle Foster's clever assist. But Zimbabwe responded with purpose, and Tawanda Maswanhise leveled in the 19th minute, converting a right-footed effort from the centre of the box after Jonah Fabisch's incisive pass. Foster restored South Africa's advantage five minutes into the second half, powering a header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. The drama intensified in the 73rd minute when Aubrey Modiba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after Ronwen Williams saved Maswanhise's initial effort, making it 2-2. The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Marvelous Nakamba handled in the area, earning a yellow card, and Appollis stepped up to convert the penalty with precision, slotting his right-footed shot to the bottom left corner.
South Africa's tactical superiority manifested through their midfield control, with Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule dictating tempo and creating overloads in the final third. Zimbabwe's defensive structure, marshaled by Munashe Garan'anga and Brendan Galloway, held firm under sustained pressure, forcing South Africa wide repeatedly. Washington Arubi emerged as Zimbabwe's standout performer, producing crucial saves to deny Appollis, Mbule, and Mokoena throughout the contest. Bathusi Aubaas provided width and defensive solidity for Bafana Bafana, while Divine Lunga worked tirelessly down Zimbabwe's left flank.
South Africa dominated the ball with 66% possession, pinning Zimbabwe back for long stretches and creating more chances with 16 shots to Zimbabwe's 10. However, their profligacy in front of goal kept the Warriors in contention, with only nine efforts finding the target. Zimbabwe's goalkeeper was kept busy, making six saves that repeatedly frustrated South Africa's attacking ambitions. The clinical difference ultimately proved decisive, with South Africa converting three of their opportunities while Zimbabwe managed just two from limited possession.
The turning point arrived during the VAR review in the 80th minute. As South Africa pressed for a winner, Nakamba's handball blocked what appeared a goal-bound effort, and referee intervention confirmed the penalty. The decision shifted momentum irrevocably, with Zimbabwe unable to muster another equalizer despite late pressure. Maswanhise struck the right post in the 64th minute, a moment that epitomized Zimbabwe's narrow margins between glory and defeat.