When South Africa and Zimbabwe clash in a decisive Group B Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Monday at the Marrakesh Stadium, many factors will be at play.
Regional rivalry in COSAFA, national pride, and, of course, the high stakes that this particular match carries give the meeting in Marrakesh some added football flavour.
Just months before the AFCON finals began, South Africa and Zimbabwe clashed in a 2026 World Cup qualifier that ended in a draw, meaning the meeting in Morocco is one of the games between nations that know each other, given the familiarity.
After an opening 2-1 win over Angola, South Africa were controversially beaten by Egypt in the second group game.
The Warriors,…
Rand: The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Scare Stone
Fun South African Fact: The world’s largest diamond was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa on 25 January 1905.
Lady Pomegranate
Braai – a barbecue [brr-rye] Also known as a barbecue where steak, lamb chops and of course ‘boerewors’ is cooked on a grid over wood and flames. Add some salads, rolls and ‘melktert’ for dessert and you are set for a traditional South African braai.