South Africa are unbeaten in four meetings with neighbours Zimbabwe. The pair met in World Cup qualifying, with Bafana Bafana winning 3-1 in Bloemfontein last year, before a goalless draw in Durban just two months ago.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa preview
The final round of group stage fixtures at this Africa Cup of Nations commence on Monday, but which of these two teams will book their place in the round of 16 in Marrakesh?
South Africa are currently in pole position to progress, currently second in Group B with three points on the board. Hugo Broos' side began their campaign by beating Angola 2-1 a week ago; Oswin Appollis and then Lyle Foster the scorers. Then, on Boxing Day, Bafana Bafana were defeated 1-0 by Egypt in Agādīr. The afternoon's only goal came in first half stoppage time, although South Africa were seemingly awarded a penalty in the final minute of the 90 although, after an excruciating, seemingly never-ending VAR review, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana overturned his decision.
Despite defeat, South Africa remain second in Group B, knowing that even a draw here would see them progress to the knockout stages, targeting a victory to cement a top two finish. Having reached the semi-finals at the most-recent AFCON, as well as qualifying for next summer's World Cup, many are tipping Bafana Bafana for a deep run at this tournament, so they should be victorious here.
As for Zimbabwe, they simply must win at Marrakesh Stadium or will be heading for home. The Warriors ran Egypt close in their opener, taking the lead through Prince Dube, only beaten because the Pharaohs scored in injury time. Then, on Friday, veteran Knowledge Musona's equaliser on the cusp of half time ensured they held Angola to a 1-1 draw that does not actually help either.
This is only Zimbabwe's sixth appearance at the Cup of Nations, all coming since 2004, currently featuring at a fourth edition out of the last five. However, the Warriors have never gone beyond the group stages, winning only three of 17 AFCON matches, and failure to win this one would maintain that record. Will South Africa be too strong in Marrakesh and eliminate their neighbours?
Zimbabwe vs South Africa head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Zimbabwe Wins: 7. Draws: 4. South Africa Wins: 8.
Zimbabwe team news
Marvelous Nakamba of Luton Town will captain Zimbabwe here, while Brendan Galloway is expected to come into defence, after defender Teenage Hadebe suffered an injury against Angola.
Striker Tawanda Maswanhise has seen just two minutes of action at this tournament, despite scoring 12 goals for club side Motherwell this season, but he could be back in North Lanarkshire very soon.
Zimbabwe predicted lineup vs South Africa: (4-5-1): Arubi; Jalai, Takwara, Galloway, Lunga; Nakamba, Fabisch, Musona, Dede, Antonio; Bonne.
Zimbabwe player to watch vs South Africa
Prince Dube scored his ninth international goal against Egypt a week ago, and he is Zimbabwe's most-likely scorer as they seek a famous win.
South Africa team news
Lyle Foster of Burnley is a rare member of the South Africa squad who do not ply their trade domestically, scoring his ninth international goal against Angola on matchday one.
Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the star of Bafana Bafana's last AFCON campaign, but is not likely to be too busy in this one.
South Africa predicted lineup vs Zimbabwe: (4-3-3): Williams Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena, Mbatha; Appollis, Moremi, Foster.
South Africa player to watch vs Zimbabwe
Teboho Mokoena is the joint-top scorer in the Bafana Bafana squad with nine, albeit it's over a year since his last, so can he end this barren sequence?
Zimbabwe vs South Africa prediction
We cannot see beyond a victory for South Africa in Marrakesh, thereby securing their spot in the round of 16 and sending the underdogs packing on Monday: Zimbabwe 0-2 South Africa.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Zimbabwe vs South Africa takes place on Monday 29 December 2025, with kick off at 16:00 (GMT), 11:00 (ET) & 8:00 (PT).