A first-half penalty from Kabelo Dlamini and a towering second-half header by Ime Okon secured three crucial points, propelling the hosts to second in the group with three points, one behind leaders Mozambique.
With only the top team from each group advancing to the knockout stages, Bafana's final group match against Mauritius on Tuesday at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium is now a must-win.
Coach Vela Khumalo shuffled the pack after the 1-0 loss to Mozambique, bringing in Siyanda Msani, Kwanda Mngonyama, Masindi Nemtajela, and Boitumelo Radiopane for Puso Dithejane, Victor Letsoalo, Sanele Barns, and Vuyo Letlapa.
The changes injected energy, with Bafana dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances. "We wanted to respond with intent, and the boys showed character," Khumalo said post-match, as quoted in a recent X update from the South African Football Association.
The hosts pressed early, but Nemtajela squandered two golden opportunities, firing wide in the 13th and 15th minutes. Zimbabwe's goalkeeper Martin Mapisa stood tall, denying Radiopane's curling effort and Dlamini's fierce strike within the opening 20 minutes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute when Nemtajela was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. Dlamini stepped up, coolly slotting past Mapisa to spark wild celebrations.
Siphesihle Mkhize nearly doubled the lead before halftime, only for Mapisa to produce another stunning save.
Bafana carried their momentum into the second half, with Nemtajela again missing the target after catching Mapisa off his line in the 50th minute.
The pressure continued to mount, and in the 69th minute, Dlamini's set-piece found Radiopane, whose effort was thwarted.
The 22-year-old striker went close again in the 75th minute, but Mapisa's heroics kept Zimbabwe in the fight. Bafana's persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Gape Moralo's pinpoint set-piece met Okon's head, the defender powering home to seal the win.
"We showed resilience and took our chances when it mattered," Okon told reporters, as shared on the team's X account. Fans echoed the sentiment online, with one X post praising Dlamini's "ice-cold penalty" and Okon's "commanding header."
Bafana now face Mauritius in a decisive group finale, knowing victory is essential to keep their COSAFA Cup dreams alive.
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