Banyana had numerous chances to take the lead as Kgatlana and Motlhalo combined excellently in the first half; however none of their efforts came to fruition.
Kgatlana who scored her first brace just last week against the Mighty Warriors in a friendly match in Harare, was denied countless chances.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini put up a great display in the match and made countless crucial saves to keep South Africa in the game.
Desiree Ellis brought in Jermanie Seoposenwe earlier in the second half to try and inspire the flow of the match.
Her presence was quickly felt but the goals failed to come. Andiswe Mgcoyi was brought in for Nompumelelo Nyandeni in the 74th minute to try and use her height to the advantage of Banyana Banyana but this too did not bring any luck to the team.
“All we can do is keep working. We tried our best but the goals just didn’t come our way. We could have played another 20 minutes and still not managed to get the ball in the back of the net,” said Ellis.
Banyana will face Cameroon in their second match of group A on Tuesday, 22 November 2016 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde. Kick-off is scheduled for 16h00 local time (SA time 17h00).
South Africa: Andile Dlamini, Leandra Smeda, Janine Van Wyk (c), Bambanani Mbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Mamello Makhabane, Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Shiwe Nogwanya
Zimbabwe: Chido Dzingirai, Shiela Makoto, Nobuhle Majika, Emmaculate Msipa, Felistas Muzongondi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Talent Mandaza (c), Marjory Nyaumwe, Rutendo Makore, Kudakwashe Basopo, Danai Bhobho