South Africa knock out Morocco to book date with Cape Verde

SAN PEDRO, Cote d’ivoire

South Africa broke the hearts of Morocco by beating the top-ranked nation 2-0 at the Stade Laurent Pokou in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday evening. The win sees Bafana Bafana qualify for the quarterfinals of the competition, where they will face Cape Verde.

The match started off with both teams determined to bring their A-game.

Bafana Bafana did not hold back in the beginning stages and showed a strong attack.

It was a little short-lived though as Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi easily broke through Bafana Bafana’s defence after receiving a through ball from the wing.

The action led to South Africa conceding a corner just before hitting the 15 minute mark, but were able to deal with danger quickly as Ronwen Williams was on high alert.

Morocco picked up the momentum from there and continued throwing attack after attack at Bafana Bafana. 

Shortly after, Teboho Mokoena had an impressive attempt on goal when he took a powerful shot from outside the box and forced a save from the Atlas Lions goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.

Bafana Bafana would make another attempt on goal within the space of minutes but fell short as Percy Tau’s effort went over the bar.

Just before the half hour mark, Aubrey Modiba caught Hakimi and got himself booked. 

Grant Kekana would pick up a yellow card as well for Bafana Bafana soon after, which left the team on thin ice at the back as two crucial defenders had to tread carefully due to their cautions. 

Teboho Mokoena was a player that stood out as South Africa closed out the second half by breaking through Morocco’s defence and continuously pressing to retain possession. 

The second half saw the most crucial parts of the match take place, as the game became a lot more open.

South Africa finally broke through the Atlas Lions’ defence through Evidence Makgopa who put his shot into the bottom corner of the net in the 57th minute.

In the 80th minute, dramatic events took place as the ball hit Mothobi Mvala’s arm in the penalty area and the spot kick was given.

Hakimi stepped up to the plate but could not convert as his shot hit the crossbar.

South Africa then held onto their one-goal lead as five minutes of play remained.

Sofyan Amrabat was sent off for Morocco during stoppage time as he fouled Mokoena, who was going for goal.

A free kick was awarded just outside the box, taken by Mokoena and he scored - doubling Bafana Bafana’s lead and securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Morocco: Y. Bounou, A. Hakimi, N.Aguerd, R. Saiss, N. Mazraoui (Y. Attiyat Allah 76’), A. Ounahi, S. Amrabat, S. Amallah, (I. Saibari 60’) A. Adli (A. Harit 60’), Y. En-Neysri, A. Ezzalzouli

South Africa: R. Williams, K. Mudau, G. Kekana, M. Mvala, A. Modiba, S. Sithole (T. Monare 87’), T. Mokoena, P. Tau, T. Zwane (T. Maseko 70’), T. Morena, E. Makgopa (Z. Lepasa 72’)