CAPE TOWN – Bafana Bafana are gearing up for a challenging showdown when they take on Zimbabwe in a crucial and decisive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B encounter scheduled against Zimbabwe on Monday.
With qualification on the line, Hugo Broos’ side will be aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a positive result as the group stage reaches its climax, while Zimbabwe are expected to pose a stern test in what promises to be a highly competitive contest.
We only took a moment to catch our breath after our final AFCON Group B match against our neighbours Zimbabwe on Monday, and then we went back to work. 🔥 🇿🇦 #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA@CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @Shield_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/I8YPf4FeXh
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 31, 2025
South Africa head into this crucial encounter against neighbours on the back of a mixed run of results in the tournament so far, having recorded one victory and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Friday last week.
Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group B with three points, a position that keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.
However, with the group finely balanced, South Africa will be fully aware that there is little margin for error as they look to secure a positive result and book their place in the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Broos has stressed the importance of the match, describing it as a decisive moment in the team’s AFCON journey.
“For sure this is an important game for us,” said Broos. We can qualify for the next round.
“We are a little bit in the same situation as two years ago in the group stages in Ivory Coast. We were also in the last game – we had not to lose and this is the same thing for tomorrow [Monday].
“If we don’t lose the game against Zimbabwe, we are in the next round and that is the most important thing for us.
“The other way we all know that the opponent of tomorrow will be a tough one, it is not the first time we play against Zimbabwe.”
Broos has emphasised the importance of the encounter, noting that South Africa are no strangers to facing Zimbabwe on the continental and world stage.
The Belgian mentor stressed that his side will need to be fully focused and disciplined to achieve the desired outcome and secure a positive result in what promises to be a crucial showdown.
“Four years as a coach in South Africa and every qualifier for AFCON or World Cup Zimbabwe was in our group,” he said.
“We know them very well – they know us very well also.
“They also like to win against us, we felt that already in the previous matches – it will be tough tomorrow.
“We have to achieve our best level to make a good result.”
The Group B showdown between South Africa and Zimbabwe will kick off at 18h00 CAT and will be played at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech in Morocco.
