Bafana Must Beat Zim — Then Face Cameroon or Ivory Coast
With Egypt already securing their place in the round of 16, Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations remains finely poised — but South Africa are still favourites to progress as runners-up behind the Pharaohs.
Bafana Bafana’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt in their second group match has left Hugo Broos’ side with one final hurdle to clear. A decisive clash against a winless Zimbabwe will determine their fate. Victory would confirm South Africa’s place in the knockout stages as Group B runners-up — and crucially, lock in their Round of 16 opponent.
Under the AFCON bracket, the Group B runners-up face the second-placed team from Group F, meaning Bafana Bafana are set to meet either Cameroon or Ivory Coast. Both heavyweights are currently locked on three points apiece ahead of their decisive head-to-head encounter on Sunday, turning that match into one of the most significant fixtures of the group stage from a South African perspective.
The potential showdown carries added intrigue. Cameroon are Broos’ former side, with the Belgian coach having guided the Indomitable Lions to AFCON glory in 2017. A reunion with his old team would bring a compelling narrative, while a clash against Ivory Coast would pit Bafana against the reigning African champions — a side renowned for their pace, power, and knockout-stage pedigree.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s own final group fixture against Angola remains vital. A win would secure top spot in Group B, allowing Hossam Hassan’s men to avoid one of the tournament’s traditional giants in the last 16. As group winners, Egypt would instead face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, C, or D — likely Zambia, Tanzania, or Benin.
The permutations underline the drama heading into the final round of group matches: Egypt chasing a clean path forward, Bafana Bafana eyeing progression, and the looming possibility of a heavyweight Round of 16 encounter — either against Broos’ former champions or the current kings of African football.
Group B standings (after Round 2)
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form (last 6, oldest → latest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 | NR · NR · NR · NR · W · W |
| 2 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | NR · NR · NR · NR · W · L |
| 3 | Angola | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 1 | NR · NR · NR · NR · L · D |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 |
For Bafana Bafana, the message is clear: beat Zimbabwe — then brace for either Cameroon or Ivory Coast.