Zimbabwe vs South Africa Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Zimbabwe entered into the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as one of the weaker sides but they have shown real resolve and grit thus far as they now take on South Africa.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Zimbabwe preview: Average Zimbabweans
The Zimbabweans come into this one on the back of a steady start to their AFCON group stage campaign, which has even left them in with a chance of making the knockout stages, despite being a poor side in the build-up.
They started with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to one of the pre-tournament favourites Egypt before then sharing a 1-1 draw against Angola the other day, courtesy of a Knowledge Musona equaliser just before half-time.
South Africa preview: Impressive Bafana Bafana
South Africa have enjoyed an impressive international cycle thus far, having confirmed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the autumn, and they will believe they can go deep into this competition.
However, Hugo Broos’ side, after defeating Angola by two goals to one in their opener, then suffered a 1-0 loss to Egypt the other day, despite the Egyptians going down to ten men before the half-time interval.
Zimbabwe team news: Galloway to start
It is expected that former Everton defender Brendan Galloway starts for the Zimbabweans this week after he replaced the injured Teenage Hadebe against Angola.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Arubi; Takwara, Nakamba, Galloway; Jalai, Dube, Fabisch, Antonio, Lunga; Bonne, Musona
Unavailable:
Questionable: Hadebe (Injured)
South Africa team news: Appollis a doubt
Key man Oswin Appollis had to be forced off at half-time against Egypt the other day but it is to be expected that the Orlando Pirates attacker gets himself fully fit for this one.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Foster, Moremi
Unavailable:
Questionable: Appollis (Fitness)
Zimbabwe vs South Africa prediction
Zimbabwe have a limited squad and that was only made worse by the recent injury picked up by Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder and national team captain Marshall Munetsi. South Africa face their fellow southern Africans with a belief that they could go deep here. However, their qualification for the knockouts isn’t wrapped up and Bafana Bafana will be aware that the Zimbabweans can make things very awkward. A low-scoring South African victory appears the best bet for this one.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa tip: South Africa to win & under 3.5 goals
