The win secured second place in the group for South Africa, just behind Egypt, and set up a round-of-16 showdown in Rabat on Sunday, 4 January against the runner-up from Group F.

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For Zimbabwe, the defeat confirmed a bottom-place finish and extended their unwanted streak of group-stage exits at AFCON.

Hugo Broos’ side made a fast start and took the lead in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi’s effort from the right side of the box deflected off Divine Lunga and beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

Zimbabwe responded well and were level 12 minutes later through Tawanda Maswanhise, who beat two defenders before drilling a low shot past Ronwen Williams.

The Warriors grew in confidence and came close to going ahead before the break, with Munashe Garananga heading narrowly over from a free kick, but the teams went into half-time locked at 1-1.

Hugo Broos introduced Bathusi Aubaas at the interval, and South Africa regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive error to head into an empty net.

Zimbabwe continued to pose a threat and were unlucky when Maswanhise struck the post before they equalised in the 74th minute, as Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net following a save by Williams.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Marvelous Nakamba was penalised for handball after a VAR check. Oswin Appollis converted the resulting penalty to restore Bafana’s lead.

Despite late pressure from Zimbabwe, Bafana Bafana held firm to seal the victory and progression to the last 16.