By Marcus Chimudzi
Zimbabwe’s Warriors saw their AFCON 2025 campaign come to a painful end after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to South Africa, a contest shaped by fine margins, costly defensive lapses, and moments of attacking brilliance that nevertheless offered optimism for the future.
The match, which had generated intense debate across social media, was widely billed as a derby — the Battle of Limpopo — and a must-win encounter for both sides, carrying not only qualification implications but also significant regional pride.
South Africa which enjoyed fluid possessional football struck early, capitalising on defensive uncertainty inside the opening seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi’s effort from range took a decisive deflection off Divine Lunga, completely wrong-footing goalkeeper Washington Arubi and leaving him with no chance as the ball crept into the net. The early setback unsettled the Warriors, who initially struggled to impose themselves against a confident Bafana Bafana side.
Despite the setbacks, Zimbabwe showed admirable resilience and character abd about 15 minutes later, a slick midfield exchange involving Prince Dube, Jonah Fabisch, and Tawanda Maswanhise unlocked the South African defence. Maswanhise, the Motherwell forward, surged past three defenders with pace and composure before unleashing a fierce strike that left captain Ronwen Williams with no chance, pulling one back for the Warriors.
What followed was a spell of open, end-to-end football, with both sides trading possession and effectively cancelling each other out in midfield. The tempo remained high as the teams went into the halftime break level, the contest finely poised.
South Africa regained the lead in the 56th minute through yet another costly defensive error. South Africa extended their advantage through another moment of miscommunication at the back. A back header from Lunga, intended to relieve pressure and find Arubi, lacked the necessary weight and direction, allowing Lyle Foster to react quicker and poke the ball home before the goalkeeper could intervene.
It was a harsh reminder of how ruthless international football can be when concentration drops, even momentarily.
But Zimbabwe refused to fold. Maswanhise remained the Warriors’ most potent attacking outlet, driving forward with confidence and intent. His powerful effort in the 74th minute was initially parried by Williams, but the rebound struck defender Aubrey Modiba and ricocheted into the net for an unfortunate own goal, restoring parity and reigniting Zimbabwean hopes. At 2 all, the game saw both teams advancing in search of the winner.
The introduction of fresh legs — Tawanda Chirewa, Mcauley Bonnie, and Zindoga — changed the complexion of the match. Zimbabwe played with renewed energy and belief, pressing higher up the pitch and threatening to snatch a late winner as the game increasingly appeared destined for a draw.
History was also made when 16-year-old Tadiwa Chakuchichi was introduced late on, becoming one of the youngest players ever to represent Zimbabwe at an AFCON tournament — an encouraging glimpse into the Warriors’ future.
However, heartbreak struck in the 88th minute. Captain Marvelous Nakamba, attempting to clear the ball with a low diving header inside the penalty area, was adjudged to have handled the ball. The referee after confirming with VAR pointed to the spot, and Oswin Appollis calmly converted the penalty to seal the match for South Africa.
Zimbabwe pushed forward desperately in search of a late equaliser in stoppage time, but Bafana Bafana held firm to secure the victory.
The result meant South Africa and Egypt progressed to the next round, while Zimbabwe exited the tournament with a single point, albeit with several positives to build upon.
Questions remain, particularly regarding the player selection with the continued benching of players like Maswanhise in the opening two matches. His influence once again highlighted how the introductions made across the games appeared to elevate the team’s attacking threat, with questions why these were not the first 11 options.
