South Africa before the Africa Cup of Nations, Group B match against Zimbabwe at Stade de Marrakech on December 29, 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco. Photo: Mahugnon Leopold Soglo/Gallo Images Bafana Bafana edged Zimbabwe 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to seal qualification for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the second tournament running. Their six points were enough to secure second place in Group B, finishing behind Egypt.
It has not always been convincing from Hugo Broos’ men, but they are safely among the last 16 in Morocco. Phakaaathi football writer Katlego Modiba reflects on three key takeaways from South Africa’s group-stage campaign. Lyle Foster has been Bafana Bafana’s standout figure in the group phase, scoring twice and supplying key assists as he reminded the continent of his quality.
His absence from the previous AFCON due to mental health challenges raised questions about his international future, but the Burnley striker has returned revitalised. Often criticised for not pressing with the same intensity as Evidence Makgopa, Foster has silenced many doubters. His assist for Oswin Appollis and late thunderbolt against Angola in the 2-1 win underlined his importance and influence.
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He followed that up with another assist and a crucial goal in the 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe, a decisive moment that ensured Bafana’s progress and right now, he is the heartbeat of the attack. While the attack has shown promise, the centre-back pairing of Siyabonga Ngezana and Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been less reassuring. The duo have looked uncertain at times, and as the tournament enters knockout territory where one mistake can end a campaign, defensive stability becomes non-negotiable.
Opponents are likely to view the pairing as an area to exploit. At the last AFCON, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala formed a solid foundation at the back, and Bafana have yet to replicate that cohesion. Mbokazi has delivered some steady individual moments, but collectively the partnership still feels vulnerable.
Sipho Mbule impressed as a No.10 during the World Cup qualifiers, leading many to believe Hugo Broos had finally found a successor to Themba Zwane. However, Mbule has struggled to impose himself with the same authority at the AFCON. This has resulted in a creative void in Bafana’s build-up play.
For years Broos bemoaned the absence of a natural replacement for Zwane who is now deep into the twilight of his career. The national team is once again feeling the pinch without the Mamelodi Sundowns maestro pulling strings between the lines.
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