ZIMBABWE coach Mario Marinica blamed the team’s mistakes for allowing South Africa to take advantage and defeat them in their Africa Cup of Nations fixture on Monday.
Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages after edging a spirited Warriors side 3-2 in a gripping Group B encounter.
Tshepang Moremi capitalised on a deflected effort, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Washington Arubi to hand South Africa an early lead.
In the 19th minute, Zimbabwe levelled matters when Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past several defenders before unleashing a powerful finish to restore parity and ignite the contest.
Defensive hesitation from Zimbabwe proved costly in the 50th minute, allowing Lyle Foster to pounce and cleverly lob Arubi with a looping header to make it 2-1.
Following a VAR review, the referee awarded South Africa a penalty for a handball by Marvelous Nakamba.
Oswin Appollis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 82nd minute.
An own goal from Aubrey Modiba reduced the deficit and sparked a frantic finale, with the Warriors throwing bodies forward in stoppage time in search of an equalizer but South Africa remained tight at the back.
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“We knew South Africa would have spells of dominance. They are a team that likes to have the ball and knows how to use it. We exploited the spaces when they appeared,” Marinica said.
“In certain transition phases, we were dangerous, and that is what allowed us to get back into the match.
“At this level of competition, every mistake is punished. We tried to stay organised, win our duels and be strong on second balls.”
The hard-earned win leaves South Africa firmly through to the next round of the competition finishing second with six points, while Zimbabwe will return home after finishing bottom of the group with just one point.
— Africa Top Sports
