A place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be at stake when Zimbabwe and South Africa draw swords at Grand Stade de Marrakech on Monday, 29 December 2025.
View our free Zimbabwe vs South Africa predictions below.
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Zimbabwe vs South Africa predictions: Goals at both ends
Key stats
- Both teams were among the goals in Zimbabwe's last four matches.
- South Africa opened the scoring in five of their last seven games.
- Zimbabwe conceded first in four of their last five matches across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Zimbabwe 1-2 South Africa
Zimbabwe have not particularly enjoyed their best form of late, as they have no wins in their last six competitive matches (D2, L4), failing to score in four of them.
On the other hand, South Africa have three wins in their last four matches and have lost only once in their last 11 games across all competitions. They are also unbeaten in four consecutive clashes between these sides.
Considering Zimbabwe's recent shortcomings, we are confident that Bafana Bafana, who were bronze medallists last time out, will emerge victorious.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour South Africa
- HOME: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
South Africa's 10-game unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 defeat against Egypt last week. Although they played the entire second half against a short-handed Pharaohs side, Bafana Bafana were unable to find the net.
After their 2-1 victory over Angola in their AFCON opener, Hugo Broos' troops are second in Group B. They will advance to the Round of 16 with either a win or draw.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have earned only one point from their two AFCON group matches. They will need to win this match in order to advance to the knockout phase.
Interestingly, while South Africa were semifinalists last time out, Zimbabwe have never gotten past the group stage of this competition.
Ahead of this crucial AFCON clash, South Africa are the expected winners at 7/10 (1.70). Teams with these odds usually have a 58.8% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Zimbabwe vs South Africa predictions.
Also, bearing in mind that Zimbabwe's last four matches featured goals at both ends, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 6/5 (2.20). That one has a 45.5% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Bafana Bafana have bragging rights
South Africa are unbeaten in their last for meetings with Zimbabwe (W2, D2). Interestingly, although this will be their first clash at the Nations Cup, the first two H2Hs between these teams took place in the AFCON 1994 qualifiers.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 11/06/24
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 13/06/22
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 11/11/21
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 03/09/21
Zimbabwe
South Africa
Zimbabwe preview: Eyeing their first ever knockout stage berth
Teenage Hadebe is definitely ruled out of this important clash. The Cincinnati FC defender suffered a 37th-minute injury in the 1-1 draw against Angola, becoming the only absentee for Mario Marinica’s side.
Although this clash won't be easy for Zimbabwe, knowing they stand a chance at qualification if they win, they will go all out against their better-established opponents.
Predicted lineup: Arubi (GK), Jalai, Takwara, Galloway, Lunga, Fabisch, Nakamba, Dube, Musona, Antonio & Bonne.
Last five matches
- Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe
- Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
- Qatar 1-2 Zimbabwe
- Algeria 3-1 Zimbabwe
- Lesotho 1-0 Zimbabwe
South Africa preview: Clean bill of health
As for South Africa, boss Hugo Broos will be pleased to have no injuries or suspensions to worry about ahead of this key clash against Zimbabwe.
Aside from Egypt, Bafana Bafana are the only team to have won a game in the group, but they cannot afford to lose concentration here as a win or draw will seal an outright second-place finish and a knockout phase berth for the second consecutive edition of this tournament.
Predicted lineup: Williams (GK), Modiba, Mbokazi, Ngezena, Mudau, Mokoena, Sithole, Appollis, Mbule, Nkota & Foster.
Last five matches
- Egypt 1-0 South Africa
- South Africa 2-1 Angola
- South Africa 3-1 Zambia
- South Africa 3-0 Rwanda
- Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
Player to watch: Lyle Foster
South Africa have two goals at AFCON 2025 and Lyle Foster was involved in both of them. The Burnley forward, who was absent from the previous edition of this competition due to an injury, will be called upon to provide goals on Monday.