RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Oswin Apolis led South Africa to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 win over hard-fought Zimbabwe on Monday, while Egyptian star Mohamed Salah was rested.
Bafana Bafana advanced to Group B in second place behind already qualified Egypt, who drew 0-0 with Angola in Agadir. Both group final matches were played at the same time.
The team had already won, and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan rested regular players such as Salah, Omar Marmouche and Trezeguet. They will return for the Pharaohs’ first knockout tournament on January 5, also in Agadir, against the third-placed teams from Groups A, C and D.
Victory at Marrakesh was needed to ensure that South Africa could advance without relying on favors from Egypt. However, Zimbabwe came back twice and came close to equalizing in the closing stages.
Tshepang Moremi gave South Africa an early lead as Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga’s Divine got the better of the helpless goalkeeper.
Tawanda Maswanhise responded with a fine individual goal in the 19th minute, leaving his defender behind and driving the ball into the bottom corner.
Lyle Foster headed South Africa’s second goal early in the second half after a melee between Lunga and goalkeeper Washington Albi.
The Warriors tied the game again in the 73rd inning on an own goal by Aubrey Modiba, making for an exciting finale.
However, they did not expect Marvelous Nakamba to concede a penalty for handball instead of a header, which Apolis brilliantly converted in the 82nd minute.
South Africa are awaiting the results of Group F, as they will play second-placed Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique on Sunday.
Later on Sunday, hosts Morocco faced Zambia in Group A, while Mali faced Comoros.
There were cheers when the Moroccan players took to the field for the first time before the match. Team captain Achraf Hakimi appealed to supporters to stop whistling Sunday team. He is expected to play after recovering from his ankle injury.
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Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
