Match Summary
South Africa defeated Zimbabwe 3:2. The match was played in Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Goals were scored by T. Moremi 7′, T. Maswanhise 19′, L. Foster 50′, A. Modiba 73′ (o.g.), O. Appollis 82′ (pen.). 2 yellow cards were shown. Zimbabwe had 34% possession while South Africa held 66%. Zimbabwe had 10 shots (3 on target) compared to 16 (9 on target) for South Africa. Zimbabwe made 5 substitutions, South Africa made 4. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Mohau Nkota 80′).
Match Events
Key match events between Zimbabwe and South Africa — 5 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Foster
assist: J. Fabisch
Own Goal
Penalty
Match Statistics
Zimbabwe had 34% possession against South Africa's 66%. Zimbabwe registered 10 shots (3 on target) while South Africa managed 16 (9 on target). Corner kicks: 3–3. Fouls committed: 14–11.
Lineups
Zimbabwe lined up in a — formation, while South Africa deployed a 4-2-3-1.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Zimbabwe is 6.55, compared to — for South Africa. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Zimbabwe's highest-rated starter is P. Dube (7.10), while South Africa's best-rated player is —.
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Zimbabwe have contributed 1 goals and 0 assists this season, led by P. Dube (1G). South Africa's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Zimbabwe deploy 4 defenders rated 6.37 on average, against South Africa's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Zimbabwe field 5 midfielders averaging —, versus South Africa's 5 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Zimbabwe start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.10, compared to 1 for South Africa averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Zimbabwe's starters have collected 2 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for South Africa. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Zimbabwe's starting XI is 28.3 (youngest: M. Garananga (24), oldest: G. Takwara (31)), while South Africa average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Zimbabwe's starters average 3 league appearances each, versus 0 for South Africa. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Zimbabwe have recorded 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. South Africa show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Zimbabwe
South Africa
Head to Head
Zimbabwe and South Africa have met 1 times — Zimbabwe won 0, South Africa won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. South Africa leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (0 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–0 in 2025.
0
Zimbabwe
0
Drawn
1
South Africa
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026