Who South Africa will face in AFCON last 16 after qualifying for knockout stage

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Evening Standard

·31 December 2025

Who South Africa will face in AFCON last 16 after qualifying for knockout stage

Bafana Bafana face a potentially tricky first knockout stage opponent

Bafana Bafana only needed a point to advance into the last-16 stage, but beat Zimbabwe 3-2 to secure their place in the AFCON knockouts.

The game may have entertained onlookers, but did little to dispel concerns over South Africa’s ability to win the tournament, as they finished second in Group B behind Egypt, who played out a goalless draw with Angola in Agadir.

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Egypt, already assured of top spot, made wholesale changes, with head coach Hossam Hassan resting several key players including Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet. The trio are expected to return for the Pharaohs’ first knockout match on January 5, also in Agadir, against a third-place finisher from Groups A, C or D.

Zimbabwe proved stubborn opponents for Bafana Bafana, twice fighting back after falling behind and pushing hard for a late equaliser.

Head coach Hugo Broos was critical of his side’s performance despite the win, saying: “We repeated the same mistakes as in previous games – poor passing and bad positioning.” Broos has also previously spoken about the lack of an “AFCON vibe” at the tournament.

Who South Africa will face in AFCON last 16

South Africa will now await the outcome of Group F, with a last-16 tie against the group’s runners-up — Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique. Gabon are out of the running.

The identity of their last-16 opponent will be confirmed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, following the conclusion of the Group F games.

Ivory Coast take on Gabon as Cameroon and Mozambique face off.

Ivory Coast and Cameroon after currently level on points and goal difference in Group F, having each won their opening game 1-0 before sharing a 1-1 draw. Mozambique sit one point further back on three.