Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Foster Firepower, Musona Magic - Key players heading into Regional Derby

by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard

image Zimbabwe vs. South Africa: Foster Firepower, Musona Magic - Key players heading into Regional Derby
With Egypt having already secured their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, only one automatic qualification spot remains as we enter the final day in Group B. Both Zimbabwe and South Africa are still in the running, and here we take a look at the players who could be key to their nations’ progress to the knockout stage.

Broos to unleash Mofokeng against Warriors in Marrakesh?

South Africa enter the final day in Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations holding their destiny in their own hands. With three points after two games, Bafana Bafana only need a draw to clinch second place in the group and follow Egypt into the last 16. 

However, head coach Hugo Broos has asserted that his side will not be playing for a stalemate and will be going all-out for victory, which will help them build up momentum heading into the knockout stage of the competition. 

Against the Pharaohs, Broos was criticised for being too cautious with his selection, having gone with Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, and Teboho Mokoena in midfield, a trio that is much more effective defensively than going forward. Check out the latest team news in our Zimbabwe vs South Africa prediction.

One player that Bafana fans are calling on the Belgian tactician to bring into the starting 11 for this match is Orlando Pirates starlet, Relebohile Mofokeng, who many feel could be the key to unlocking the Warriors' stubborn defence with his flair and trickery. 

Lyle Foster has done incredibly well to hold up play and provide a physical presence up top, but outside of Oswin Appollis, the Burnley forward has not had much support around him, and Mofokeng could be the ideal candidate to feed off South Africa’s front man. 

Additionally, with Tshepang Moremi, Appollis and Mofokeng all on the pitch, South Africa will have one of the speediest attacking lines we’ve seen at AFCON 2025, while Khuliso Mudau on the overlap down the right flank provides them another avenue to trouble the Warriors’ defence from out wide. 

 

Divine Lunga among several familiar faces in Warriors’ camp

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Given the geographic proximity between these nations, several of Zimbabwe’s players currently ply their trade in South Africa’s Betway Premiership, while the likes of Knowledge Musona spent several years in Mzansi with Kaizer Chiefs. 

One player that is no stranger to Bafana Bafana is Divine Lunga, who plays for reigning South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, and has won the last two domestic league titles alongside Teboho Mokoena and Bafana’s skipper Ronwen Williams. 

Ahead of the match, Lunga admitted in an interview that while he shares a deep brotherhood with his Masandawana teammates, he will now put his club loyalties aside and fight for his national badge, and you can follow all the action in real-time via our AFCON 2025 livescores. 

Aside from the Downs’ fullback, Daniel Msendami is another who will be eager to make his mark on this match. The Marumo Gallants attacker has gone up against the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Khuliso Madau on several occasions and that familiarity could prove key in this match. 

Supporting Msendami in the attack will likely be former Kaizer Chiefs man Knowledge Musona. The veteran forward is the Warriors’ all-time leading scorer, now on 27 goals in 54 caps after netting against Egypt. Three of his goals have come in nine AFCON appearances.