Head-to-Head Reality Check: Zimbabwe Always Push Bafana to the Limit
Zimbabwe head to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco chasing a long-awaited breakthrough — progression beyond the group stages for the first time in their history. But their Group B assignment offers no favours, with Egypt, South Africa and Angola all standing in their path.
The Warriors’ determination against Bafana Bafana has been evident in recent encounters. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe twice showed they can trouble their southern neighbours. In one dramatic meeting, the match burst into life inside the opening two minutes. Iqraam Rayners capitalised on a defensive lapse by Munashe Garan’anga to put South Africa ahead in the first minute, only for Tawanda Chirewa to strike back just 60 seconds later and restore parity.
However, that early resistance was eventually undone. Zimbabwe went on to lose the match 3–1, with costly errors from the goalkeeper and defence proving decisive as South Africa asserted control later in the game. Despite the final scoreline, the opening exchanges highlighted the Warriors’ ability to compete — and frustrate — Bafana Bafana.
That fighting spirit resurfaced in October in Durban, where Zimbabwe held South Africa to a stubborn 0–0 draw, briefly threatening to derail Bafana’s World Cup qualification campaign. It reinforced a familiar theme: Zimbabwe rarely make life easy for their neighbours.
The AFCON Group B finale on December 29 in Marrakesh will be the 20th meeting between the two nations and the ninth competitive clash, a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining who reaches the last 16.
Zimbabwe’s hopes may hinge on how they start against Egypt, while the absence of midfield leader Marshall Munetsi places extra responsibility on players such as Chirewa, Knowledge Musona and veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi to carry the side.
History suggests one thing is certain — when Zimbabwe face South Africa, margins are slim and resolve is never in question.
Key Statistics
Head-to-head Zimbabwe vs South Africa
Total meetings: 19
Competitive matches: 8
South Africa wins: 4
Zimbabwe wins: 1 (4–1 AFCON qualifier, August 1992)
Draws: 3
The two sides have never met at an AFCON tournament