South Africa beats Zimbabwe at KAFCON 2025 football tournament in Pyeongtaek

South African soccer players raise the trophy for the Korea Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at Anjung Leports soccer field in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

PYEONGTAEK, Gyeonggi Province — South Africa defeated Zimbabwe 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the Korea Africa Cup of Nations (KAFCON) football tournament.

This marks the first time since the competition’s inception that the South African team has triumphed over Zimbabwe. The final match took place on Saturday at the Poseung Leports soccer field in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

Known for their tactful and well-organized gameplay, the South African team impressed throughout the tournament, earning strong support from spectators on their way to the final.

The fourth edition of the KAFCON football tournament brought together players from across the African continent for a vibrant celebration of sports, unity and cultural pride.

This year, teams representing 12 African nations competed for the championship in a full-day tournament played across two soccer fields.

South African and Zimbabwean players stand together before the final match for the Korea Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at Anjung Leports soccer field in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

Afro Entertainment, the event organizing company based in Korea, explained that the Korea Africa Cup of Nations (KAFCON) was launched in 2022 with the goal of uniting Africans living in Korea and promoting a positive image of the African continent through sport.

KAFCON offers a unique opportunity for Africans in Korea to connect, build a strong community network and socialize in a land far from home. It draws not only players but also supporters, football fans and well-wishers, creating a vibrant celebration of African identity.

Edmond Atemnkeng, chairperson of the KAFCON organizing committee, is a naturalized Korean originally from Cameroon who has lived in Korea for two decades. He shared with The Korea Times that the event typically attracts more than 600 Africans, all coming together to celebrate their shared love of the sport and their homeland.

“Last year’s tournament was held over two weekends at Pyeongtaek University with 16 teams participating," he said. "The Lone Stars of Liberia claimed victory after defeating the Mzansi Guys from South Africa in the final.”

Atemnkeng said before the match that they were expecting about 1,000 people to show up for the sporting event.

He acknowledged the generous support of GME Remittance, KAFCON’s main sponsor since last year, and also welcomed new support from the Pyeongtaek Football Association, which contributed football gear for the tournament.

“Our chairman, Mr. Lee Chi-hyeon, has been instrumental in managing and executing the event, making KAFCON a reality," he said. "Our hope is to continue growing KAFCON, involving more African embassies and attracting sponsorships from companies and governments. We believe soccer can serve as a diplomatic bridge and a tool for expanding networks among Africans.”

People in the stands cheer during the final match for the Korea Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at Anjung Leports soccer field in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

Prince Hamandawana, the Zimbabwean team manager and player, mentioned that they have been part of the tournament since it began in 2022. Although this year was his team's third time making it to the finals, they have yet to win.

“Our team has about 19 players in total, most of whom are students and migrant workers. Some of our members are also from neighboring countries such as Zambia,” he told The Korea Times in a phone interview. “We don’t play with the primary intention to win. We play to have fun and to build connections with other Africans. Participation in the tournament is our main goal. We try to ensure there’s fair play. Our main challenge is finding time to come together, because we’re all scattered across Korea.”

A poster for KAFCON 2025 / Courtesy of Afro Entertainment

This year’s KAFCON tournament featured teams from South Africa, DR Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Burundi. Games were played at Leports fields at Anjung and Poseung in Pyeongtaek.

Follow @kafcon21 on Instagram for more information.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.