The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group B game between Zimbabwe and South Africa on Monday promises to be an uncompromising encounter.

Zimbabwe’s win would guarantee their first-ever AFCON knockout stage appearance, while South Africa needs a draw to advance, having earned three points in their first two matches.

Zimbabwe’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations has been difficult after failing to qualify in 2023, and they’re about to be knocked out early again.

After a bad 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Zimbabwe met Egypt on December 22.

The Warriors were in front at halftime thanks to Prince Dube’s goal against the run of play in a thrilling Stade de Marrakech match, but Omar Marmoush equalized in the 64th minute, and Mohamed Salah scored in the first minute of stoppage time to win the game.

Zimbabwe, in danger of being knocked out, showed grit against Angola on Boxing Day. Musona’s goal canceled Dala’s opener, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Mario Marinica’s team, ranked 129th by FIFA, is third in Group B with a point, tied with Angola and two points behind second-place South Africa.

South Africa’s AFCON campaign began strongly, with a 2-1 win against Angola on December 22, thanks to goals by Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

Despite their efforts, Bafana Bafana couldn’t clinch their knockout place on Boxing Day, due to a contentious 1-0 loss against Egypt.

After Mohamed Hany was sent off, Salah scored a penalty for Egypt, but South Africa’s late penalty claim was overturned by VAR.

Having earned 18 points in Group C, Hugo Broos’ team secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup and are now in the 2025 AFCON, marking their first appearance since hosting in 2010.

South Africa, needing a point for consecutive AFCON knockout stages, expects victory Monday against opponents who haven’t won in five matches, suffering three losses and two draws since a September 2013 friendly.