Afcon 2025 LIVE: South Africa join Egypt in last 16 as group stages reaches thrilling climax

A late Oswin Appollis penalty fired South Africa to a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe and into the knockout stages at the Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa went ahead through Tshepang Moremi's deflected shot which wrong-footed goalkeeper Washington Arubi as it looped into the net, before Zimbabwe equalised when Tawanda Maswanhise skipped past two defenders and lashed the ball home.

Lyle Foster restored the lead early in the second half with a header over the advancing Arubi, but after Ronwen Williams saved Maswanhise's effort Aubrey Modiba turned the rebound into his own net to draw Zimbabwe level again.

But seven minutes from time, when Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area, Appollis tucked away the spot-kick to book their passage through and send Zimbabwe home.

Here’s what went down as Group B reached its climax:

Mohamed Salah found himself in an increasingly familiar situation as he started for the Pharaohs on the bench today - but the circumstances were of course quite different to the drama involving the winger at Liverpool.

Egypt were already through to the round of 16 and Salah, who has scored the winner in both group games for his country, has been given a rest. At least we think that’s what has happened.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Adrar Stadium mixed zone...

South Africa have joined Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria as the first four teams to seal their place in the Afcon last 16.

Four teams who all have a realistic shot at lifting the big prize.

Group B has reached its climax, now it’s the turn of Group A.

There are still two more Afcon fixtures to be played out this evening, with both just getting underway now.

We’re sticking with reaction from Marrakesh and Agadir, but here’s how you can watch both games:

19:00: Zambia v Morocco, 4Seven / Channel 4 Streaming

19:00: Comoros v Mali, Channel 4 Sport YouTube

1st: Egypt - 7 points, +2 GD

2nd: South Africa - 6 points, +1 GD

3rd: Angola - 2 point, -1 GD

4th: Zimbabwe - 1 point, -2 GD

South Africa survived a scare from Zimbabwe to seal their place in the 2025 Afcon knockout stages, joining Group B winners Egypt following a thrilling climax.

Bafana Bafana dominated the early stages and took a seventh-minute lead through Tshepang Moremi’s deflected strike, only for a stunning individual effort from Tawanda Maswanhise to draw Zimbabwe level.

A defensive catastrophe allowed Burnley striker Lyle Foster to re-establish South Africa’s lead before defender Aubrey Modiba fell victim to a freak own goal, once again cancelling out their lead.

But after Marvelous Nakamba’s mindless handball in the box gifted South Africa another chance to go ahead, Oswin Appollis converted from the spot to ultimately prove the difference, securing safe passage for Hugo Broos’ side.

Egypt, who had already qualified for the last 16, rested the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for their group finale with Angola, one which ended in a goalless draw.

South Africa seal their place in the knockouts!

Zimbabwe did not make that easy for Bafana Bafana. What a climax to Group B.

It’s all over in Agadir. Egypt finish top of Group B.

Moments away from confirming South Africa’s second-place finish.