Zimbabwe vs South Africa Preview & Tips - Defensive South Africa to secure win

South Africa hold a 4-2 advantage across the previous six meetings with Zimbabwe with no draws.

The sides last met in a friendly in 2013 as Zimbabwe won 2-1 in South Africa.

Zimbabwe qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing second in their group with a match to spare. A 1-0 win in Botswana sealed qualification before losing 2-0 to Zambia in their final match.

They finished bottom of the recently completed COSAFA Cup group with two defeats and two draws in four matches. After drawing 0-0 with Mozambique, Zimbabwe drew 2-2 with Malawi.

A 2-0 defeat to Namibia and a 2-1 loss to Senegal completed their involvement in the competition.

Strikers Knox Mutizwa and Evans Rusike have missed out on selection due to a lack of involvement at club level. Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze is in the same boat having lost his place at Baroka.

Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and Luton Town defender have not been released by their clubs due to quarantine restrictions. 

Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Talbert Shumba, Martin Mapisa

Defenders: Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, Onismor Bhasera, Tendayi Darikwa, Jordan Zemura, Brendan Galloway, Alec Mudimu, Jimmy Dzingai, Takudzwa Chimwemwe 

Midfielders: Marshall Munesti, Perfect Chikwende, Thabani Kamusoko, Tafadzwa Rusike, Jonah Fabisch, Butholezwe Ncube, Marvelous Nakamba, Kuda Mahachi, Khama Billiat, Blessing Sarupinda, Ovidy Karuru

Forwards: Knowledge Musona, Tino Kadewere, David Moyo, Admiral Muskwe, Macauley Bonne, Terrence Dzvukamanja

South Africa failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON after finishing below Ghana and Sudan in their group. A 2-0 loss in the final match proved key as the side just needed a point to qualify.

Bafana Bafana's form did improve thereafter, beating Uganada 3-2 before winning the COSAFA Cup.

South Africa went six matches without conceding a goal during this tournament on home soil.

In the semi-final South Africa comfortably saw off Mozambique 3-0. They however needed penalties to get over the line in the final against Senegal followinga  0-0 draw.

Coach Hugo Broos has called up plenty of inexperienced players with the coach not looking to select any players over the age of 30. Ronwen Williams and Veli Mothwa will vie for the starting goalkeeper spot.

Percy Tau will lead the attack alongside young Scandinavian-based wingers Luther Singh and Gift Links. SuperSport United duo Sipho Mbule and Teboho Mokoena could form the midfield.

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma, Veli Mothwa

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Thapelo Morena, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine De Reuck, Thabang Phite, Austin Dube, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Njabulo Ngcobo

Midfielders: Njabulo Blom, Ethan Brooks, Mothobi Mvala, Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Yusuf Maart, Thabiso Kutumela

Forwards: Percy Tau, Luther Singh, Gift Links, Bongkuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa, Victor Letsoalo