FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT AT THE STADE DE MARRAKECH
SOUTH AFRICA booked their spot in the AFCON knockout rounds last night, emerging victorious from a pulsating five-goal “Battle of the Borders” that turned the historic city of Marrakech into a Bafana Bafana playground.
The Stade de Marrakech, with its iconic red-brick architecture mimicking the ancient ramparts of the Ochre City, provided a majestic backdrop for a match that was as heated as a Moroccan summer.
Despite the desert chill settling over the North African plains, Hugo Broos’ men kept their cool to edge out a stubborn Zimbabwe 3-2.
Red-Hot in the Red City.
From the first whistle, the atmosphere inside the 45,000-capacity arena was electric.
While coach Broos had previously complained about a lack of “vibe” in the tournament, his players certainly found their rhythm under the Marrakech floodlights.
South Africa wasted no time making themselves at home. Just seven minutes in, Tshepang Moremi silenced the traveling “Warriors” fans, his deflected cross-shot finding the net to give Bafana the perfect start.
But Zimbabwe, playing for their lives in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, struck back through Tawanda Maswanhise in the 19th minute, a low drive that had the stadium rocking.
The second half saw the Grand Stade truly come alive. Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive howler to restore South Africa’s lead early in the half, but the Marrakech drama was far from over.
A cruel own goal by Aubrey Modiba in the 73rd minute leveled the scores again, setting up a grandstand finish.
The decisive moment came eight minutes from time. Under the intense pressure of the Marrakech night, Bafana were awarded a penalty. Oswin Appollis stepped up, ignored the deafening whistles, and buried his strike to send the South African bench into raptures.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations on the pitch, as South Africa secured second place in Group B behind Egypt. While Zimbabwe head home, Bafana Bafana march on, leaving Marrakech with their heads high and their title dreams very much alive.
