Zimbabwe’s Warriors take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a decisive Group B clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, on Monday, 29 December, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 (Paris time), with qualification for the knockout stage hanging in the balance.
This final round of Group B features two simultaneous matches, and the encounter between Zimbabwe and South Africa promises high stakes and intensity, as both teams fight for survival in the tournament.
A decisive final day in Group B
The last matchday of Group B sees Zimbabwe and South Africa battling for one of the remaining qualification spots. With only narrow margins separating the teams in the standings, a positive result is essential for either side to keep their AFCON 2025 hopes alive.
South Africa know that a draw would be enough to secure a place in the round of 16, while Zimbabwe are under pressure to win and hope for favourable outcomes elsewhere.
Match details: kick-off time and TV coverage
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Match: Zimbabwe vs South Africa
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Competition: AFCON 2025 – Group B (Matchday 3)
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Date: Monday, 29 December 2025
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Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
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Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech
Broadcasters
The match will be broadcast live on:
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Canal+ CAN
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New World Sport
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SuperSport
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SABC 2
Head-to-head history
As South Africa and Zimbabwe prepare to meet once again, history suggests a rivalry far closer than recent results may indicate. While the Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in their last four encounters (two wins and two draws), the overall record paints a much more balanced picture.
Across 19 previous meetings, South Africa have recorded 8 wins, Zimbabwe 7 wins, with 4 draws. These numbers underline that Zimbabwe have never been mere spectators in this regional rivalry and remain capable of causing an upset.
Current form and group situation
Zimbabwe: backs against the wall
Zimbabwe’s campaign in Group B has been difficult. The Warriors suffered a 2–1 defeat against Egypt after taking the lead in their opening match, before settling for a 1–1 draw against Angola. Bottom of the group, they must now win to keep their qualification hopes alive, possibly as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, recent history offers little comfort. Zimbabwe have been eliminated at the group stage in their last five AFCON appearances, making another early exit a real possibility despite a fighting spirit shown in flashes.
South Africa: experience and composure
South Africa enter this match with greater experience and pedigree. The Bafana Bafana have reached the quarter-finals in three of their last four AFCON appearances, reinforcing expectations around the team.
After beating Angola in their opener and losing narrowly 1–0 to Egypt, South Africa remain in control of their destiny. Importantly, they have not suffered back-to-back defeats since September 2022, suggesting a strong response is likely from the 1996 African champions in this crucial fixture.
Everything on the line in Marrakech
With qualification at stake, Zimbabwe vs South Africa is set to be one of the most intense matches of the AFCON 2025 group stage. One team will move on, the other could see their journey end — making this a true do-or-die encounter under the lights in Marrakech.
