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Maswanhise’s AFCON Stunner Puts Zimbabwe — and Himself — on Europe’s Radar
One moment can redefine a career. At AFCON 2025, Tawanda Maswanhise delivered a goal that echoed far beyond Africa.
AFCON, the perfect stage for emerging stars
Once again, AFCON 2025 has proven why it remains one of world football’s most powerful shop windows. This time, the spotlight belongs to Tawanda Maswanhise, who produced one of the tournament’s most breathtaking goals in Zimbabwe’s clash with South Africa.
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The Motherwell FC winger used the continental stage to announce himself to a global audience, delivering a moment of quality that is already circulating among European scouting departments.
A goal that stopped the stadium
Zimbabwe entered the match knowing victory was essential after collecting just one point from earlier group games against Egypt and Angola. Their task became even tougher when Tshepang Moremi fired South Africa into a 12th-minute lead.
Just seven minutes later, Maswanhise flipped the script. Picking up the ball in the final third, he ignored the safe option and chose ambition. A sharp change of direction took him past Sphephelo Sithole, before he glided beyond Teboho Mokoena and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Inside the box, surrounded by defenders, he kept his composure and guided a low finish beyond Ronwen Williams. A goal of technique, confidence, and elite-level decision-making.
Influence that went far beyond the goal
Maswanhise’s impact didn’t end there. He followed his trademark celebration and continued to torment the South African back line. With Zimbabwe chasing the game, he smashed a shot off the post and later played a key role in the build-up to his team’s second goal when his effort deflected off Modibo and into the net.
Despite his heroics, Zimbabwe’s AFCON journey ended in heartbreak. A late penalty converted by Oswin Appollis sealed a dramatic 3–2 victory for South Africa, knocking Zimbabwe out of the competition.
Europe is watching
While Zimbabwe’s AFCON campaign is over, Maswanhise’s stock is rising fast. At just 22 years old, he already has eight goals this season for Motherwell, and now adds an iconic AFCON moment to his résumé — exactly the kind of performance that accelerates interest from bigger European leagues.
AFCON has done what it does best: put a talent in the global spotlight. For Maswanhise, the next step may not be far away.
