KAFCON 2025: South Africa beat Zimbabwe on penalties in Pyeongtaek shootout

ANJUNG & POSEUNG LEPORTS, PYEONGTAEK, May 28, 2025. South Africa beat Zimbabwe for the first time in KAFCON history, converting five spot kicks to Zimbabwe's four in a 5-4 penalty shootout after the final ended 0-0.

Twelve African nations played at the fourth Korea Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off at 8 a.m. across two pitches in Pyeongtaek's Anjung and Poseung Leports complexes. The lineup: South Africa, DR Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Burundi. Two-time runners-up Zimbabwe reached the final yet again. Their old rivals Gambia did not.

The final itself was a goalless arm-wrestle. Penalties decided it. South Africa converted five, Zimbabwe four, and a tournament that had eluded the Mzansi Guys for three years was finally theirs.

"We don't play with the primary intention to win. We play to have fun and to build connections."

Prince Hamandawana, Zimbabwe team manager

The day stretched well beyond the result. African music carried across the complex. Dance groups performed between matches. The celebration ran into the evening, and local Korean spectators told reporters it felt like a World Cup atmosphere on their doorstep.

"We believe that football can serve as a diplomatic bridge and a tool for expanding networks among Africans."

Edmond Atemnkeng, KAFCON Chairperson

"What started from a friend saying there was no space to play soccer has grown to this."

Lee Chi-hun, Korea-Africa Community Football Association

GME Remittance returned as title sponsor for a second year. The Pyeongtaek Football Association supplied kit and pitches. African embassies in Seoul co-signed the event. Atemnkeng's plan for 2026 is on the record: more embassies, more sponsors, more nations.

For now, South Africa are the champions of Africa in Korea.