South Africa have learned their last-16 opponents at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bafana Bafana only needed a point to advance before they beat Zimbabwe 3-2 to secure their place in the AFCON knockouts.
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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.
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 attacking trio are expected to return for the Pharaohs’ first knockout match on January 5, also in Agadir, against the third-place finishers from Group D in Benin.
Zimbabwe proved stubborn opponents for Bafana Bafana, twice fighting back after falling behind and pushing hard for a late equaliser.
South Africa 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 face Cameroon in the last 16 at AFCON after the latter beat Mozambique 2-1 to finish second in Group F.
The Indomitable Lions took seven points from their three group games, having beaten Gabon 1-0 and drawn 1-1 with Ivory Coast before their win over Mozambique.
They finished level on points and goal difference with table-toppers Ivory Coast, who scored more goals. The holders meet Burkina Faso next.
