Matchups: COSAFA rivals Bafana, Zimbabwe set for knockout showdown in Marrakech

The COSAFA rivalry between Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe will intensify when the two teams lock horns at Stade de Marrakech on Monday night for a place in the AFCON knockout stage.

Bafana are currently second in Group B with three points, meaning a win or a draw against the third-placed Warriors, who have just one point after two rounds of matches, will be enough to steer them to the promised land.

Zimbabwe, however, could still secure a spot in the last 16 if they beat Bafana and finish either second in the group or as one of the four best third-placed teams across the group stage.

Given all those permutations, the two sides are expected to throw everything at each other for a place in the next round. Below, we look at three key match-ups that could decide what promises to be a thrilling COSAFA derby.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Bafana) v Knowledge Musona (Warriors)

Mbokazi has arguably been one of the standout defenders at AFCON so far. He underlined his quality in Bafana’s defeat to Egypt, including a moment where he pickpocketed Mohamed Salah in the second half to loud praise from the football fraternity.

The 20-year-old is calm on the ball and composed in duels, making timely decisions. His accurate passing, ability to escape tight spaces and willingness to take shots from distance also make him a threat to opposition defences.

Mbokazi’s character will be tested again against the Warriors, where he is likely to come up against Musona. The former Kaizer Chiefs attacker may be in the twilight of his career, but he still has pace and goals in his legs, which is why the “TLB” will need to watch him like a hawk.

Lyle Foster (Bafana) v Marvelous Nakamba (Warriors)

Foster has blown hot and cold since the start of AFCON. He was the difference-maker late in the opener against Angola, scoring a late winner after a relatively quiet match. Against Egypt, however, he struggled to make an impact.

Despite being slightly ineffective at times, Foster remains the cornerstone of the Bafana attack. He has quick feet and can exploit even the tightest spaces, adding value to the team’s build-up play.

Coming up against Nakamba, who also plies his trade in England with Luton Town, the Burnley striker will need to be at his best. Nakamba is an excellent reader of the game and knows when to commit or cover for his teammates, which is why he is rarely caught napping.

Teboho Mokoena (Bafana) v Jonah Fabisch (Warriors)

Few players have been as consistent for Bafana as Mokoena. The midfielder has been central to the team’s restoration of national pride over the past few months.

He controls the engine room with ease, giving freedom to both defence and attack. While his long-range shooting has not yet paid dividends at this tournament, any defence or goalkeeper that underestimates his ability does so at their own peril.

With Bafana needing a stable engine room against the Warriors, expect Mokoena to be at his best, although he will face stiff competition from Fabisch, who does the hard yards for his side to allow those around him to shine.