Maswanhise Shines Despite Zimbabwe’s AFCON Exit

Maswanhise arrived at the tournament having already scored eight times for Motherwell this season, exuding confidence in his performances for Zimbabwe. With the national team needing a win after securing just one point from previous group matches against Egypt and Angola, the 22-year-old carried significant responsibility. Zimbabwe’s challenge intensified when Tshepang Moremi put South Africa ahead in the 12th minute, giving Bafana Bafana a five-point cushion and casting doubt on Zimbabwe’s qualification chances.

The response came dramatically just seven minutes later, courtesy of Maswanhise. Collecting the ball in the final third, he bypassed safer passing options in favor of ambition. With a deft change of direction, he evaded Sphephelo Sithole, skillfully maneuvered past Teboho Mokoena and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and entered a pocket of space within the penalty area. Despite being surrounded by defenders, the winger displayed remarkable composure, delivering a low, precise finish into the corner that left goalkeeper Ronwen Williams motionless, the ball finding the net as if by design.

As has become customary in the Scottish Premiership, Maswanhise celebrated his goal with a distinctive gesture, covering his face with one hand while giving a thumbs-down with the other. His influence did not stop there; late in the match, while Zimbabwe trailed 2-1, he hit the post with a powerful shot. Shortly thereafter, he was pivotal once again as his attempt deflected off Modibo and rolled into an unguarded net, directly contributing to Zimbabwe’s second goal. Despite Maswanhise’s stellar performance, Zimbabwe’s evening ended in heartbreak as Oswin Appollis converted a penalty to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for South Africa, leading to Zimbabwe’s elimination from the tournament.

Although Zimbabwe’s AFCON journey has concluded, Maswanhise’s next match with Motherwell against Celtic may come too soon for him. Nevertheless, he is expected to return for the weekend fixture against St Mirren. Currently, Motherwell sits fourth in the Scottish Premiership with 30 points from 19 matches, trailing leaders Hearts by 11 points.