Marvelous Nakamba Apologises For Costly AFCON Handball Against South Africa- iHarare News

Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba has apologised for a costly handball inside his own penalty area. This error directly contributed to Zimbabwe’s 3–2 defeat against South Africa in their final AFCON group match on Monday, December 29. The penalty decision, confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), sealed a dramatic loss that eliminated Zimbabwe from the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Nakamba accepted full responsibility for the decisive moment.

“I just want to say sorry. I have to man up and accept the mistake that I made and say I am sorry to the country, to my teammates and to everyone in Zimbabwe.”

His public apology came after a night where his desperate intervention on the goal line gifted South Africa their winning goal from the penalty spot with just ten minutes remaining.

A Glimmer Of Hope Overshadowed

The match was not without its bright spots for Zimbabwe. Youngster Tawanda Maswanhise delivered a performance of immense promise, scoring a stunning 19th-minute equaliser. The Motherwell FC winger weaved past multiple South African defenders before finishing coolly past keeper Ronwen Williams.

The goal was later voted the Confederation of African Football’s ‘Move of the Day’. Maswanhise also played a key part in Zimbabwe’s second goal, which came via an Aubrey Modiba own goal in the 73rd minute.

Defensive Calamity Strikes Twice

Nakamba’s handball was the second critical defensive error that cost Zimbabwe dearly. Earlier, a catastrophic miscommunication between defender Divine Lunga and goalkeeper Washington Arubi had gifted South Africa their second goal. In the 50th minute, Lunga’s weak back-pass was intercepted by Lyle Foster, who nodded the ball over the stranded Arubi. An analyst described the lapse as fundamental.

“That was a disaster in decision-making. At this level, you simply cannot offer such a gift. The defender must clear his lines with authority, and the goalkeeper has to be decisive. It was a goal born from hesitation and poor communication.”

These two moments of defensive failure ultimately defined the contest, overshadowing Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit and sending South Africa through to the knockout stages as Group B runners-up.