Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in MARRAKECH, Morocco
Zimbabwe 2-3 South Africa.
WHEN Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf blew the final whistle, it echoed like a cruel reminder of the pain Zimbabwean football lovers have endured for two decades. Once again, Zimbabwe crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage — for the sixth time since their debut in Tunisia in 2004.
Although Zimbabwe finished bottom of Group B, this time the Warriors bowed out with a measure of dignity. They twice came from behind before succumbing to a late penalty from South Africa’s danger man, Oswin Appollis.
Bafana Bafana, who finished second in the group, started with intent and could have scored after just 59 seconds. Sipho Mbule shot wide inside the box as South Africa threatened to tear Zimbabwe apart from the outset. After only six minutes, South Africa were ahead — Tshepang Moremi’s shot deflected off Divine Lunga and wrong-footed Washington Arubi.
Tawanda Maswanhise, who missed Zimbabwe’s opening two matches against Egypt and Angola, equalised in the 19th minute with a goal of sheer brilliance. The Motherwell striker weaved through a couple of South African defenders, turned the highly rated Mbokazi inside out, and fired past Ronwen Williams, Africa’s best goalkeeper.
Pandemonium erupted inside the Marrakech Stadium as Zimbabwean fans, who outnumbered their opponents, celebrated wildly.
It was 1-1 at half-time, but South Africa regained the lead five minutes after the restart. Arubi failed to deal with an atrocious back-header from Lunga, and Lyle Foster pounced, nodding past the desperate keeper to silence the crowd.
The Warriors refused to surrender. Maswanhise was released by the impressive Tawanda Chirewa and charged towards goal. His low shot was blocked by Williams, but the ball ricocheted off defender Aubrey Modiba and into the net in the 74th minute.
South Africa, heavily tipped to win this contest, were handed another lifeline. Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball while attempting to clear, and after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. The Warriors had chances to change the script. Munashe Garananga rose above everyone in the South African box, but his header from Jonah Fabisch’s free-kick sailed over. Substitutes Macauley Bonne, Junior Zindoga and teenager Tadiwa Chakuchichi also had opportunities, while Maswanhise rattled the upright midway through the second half.
“We will have to look into the future,” said Warriors coach Marian Marinica. The introduction of 16-year-old Scotland FC player Chakuchichi was perhaps a cue for Zimbabwe to look ahead with hope. Chakuchichi became the youngest player to feature at the 2025 Afcon finals.
But for now, Zimbabweans must digest the pain of failing to progress beyond the group stage yet again. They finished bottom of Group B with a solitary point from the draw against Angola. Egypt topped the group with seven points, one ahead of South Africa, while Angola ended with two.
