ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – South Africa secured their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 after holding out for a 0-0 draw against Tunisia in a Group E final clash played in Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The result means the 1996 champions advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2019 edition held in Egypt.

Their opposition from the opposite end of the continent disappointingly crash out of the competition as they finish bottom of the group following a simultaneous 0-0 draw in San Pedro between Mali and Namibia which sees Mali finish as the group leaders, while Namibia advanced as third best finisher.

Both sides went into the break tied at 0-0 with very little chances created from either end. With ball possession on their side in the early stages Tunisia were the first to ask questions of the keeper with Ellyes Skhiri heading narrowly wide of goal in the 17th minute from a cross.

Bafana Bafana gained confidence as the half progressed, with Man of the Match Themba Zwane being the orchestrator of a number of attacks from deep. With a point being enough to advance, the South Africans sat back and frustrated Tunisia to a goalless draw which concludes the Group E ties of the competition.

There was no joy for another of the southern African teams, Zambia, who were narrowly edged 1-0 by Morocco and return home.

Zambia needed a point from the Group F finale to deny hosts Ivory Coast the fourth and final qualification spot for the group stage’s best third-placed teams.

But Hakim Ziyech slammed in from close range to send Zambia home, Ivory Coast through and help Morocco top the group.

Zambia had drawn against Tanzania and DR Congo in their other two matches.

Here are the last 16 teams and their route to the final: