Bafana Bafana are bracing for a stern test when they face Zimbabwe in a decisive final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B encounter on Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025.
The high-stakes clash between the COSAFA neighbours is expected to determine who finishes second in the group and secures progression to the Last 16 of the continental showpiece. While South Africa and Zimbabwe have met numerous times in regional and qualification competitions, this marks their first-ever meeting at an AFCON tournament, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has warned that familiarity between the two sides could make the contest even more challenging. The Belgian tactician noted that Zimbabwe has been a regular opponent during his four-year tenure, particularly in FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
“It’s not the first time we play against Zimbabwe,” said Broos. “In the four years I’ve been coach in South Africa, Zimbabwe have been in our group in the World Cup qualifiers. So we know them very well.”
Broos stressed that the knowledge cuts both ways, cautioning that Zimbabwe will be equally motivated to upset their more fancied neighbours.
“They know us very well too, and they want to win against us. We’ve already felt that in previous matches. So again, it will be tough, and we have to reach our best level to get a good result,” he added.
Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of momentum heading into the knockout stages.
“We know that a victory will also be good motivation going into the next round. For us, we are really looking forward to playing the game and hopefully getting a positive result,” Sibisi said.
South Africa’s AFCON campaign began on a positive note with a 2–1 victory over Angola in Marrakech, before suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt in Agadir in their second group match. That encounter sparked widespread debate across the football world, following a series of controversial moments that dominated post-match discussions.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Monday’s showdown against Zimbabwe promises to be a fiercely contested affair, as both teams chase a place among Africa’s top 16 and keep their continental ambitions alive.
