South Africa Stun Morocco To Qualify For Nations Cup Quarter-finals

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa earned a stunning 2-0 win over favourites, Morocco to qualify for the last eight of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The competition continues to spring up surprises as another overwhelming favourites head home in the hands of a less-fancied side.

Hakim Ziyech and Soufiane Boufal both missed out of the game due to injuries.

The Morrocans started the encounter on the front foot denying South Africa the opportunity to settle down into the game in the early moments.

The first half ended goalless, but the game burst into life in the second half with series of dramatic moments.

Evidence Makgopa gave South Africa the lead against the run of play with a tidy finish in the 57th minute to stun Morocco.

The Atlas Lions continued to attempt to claw their way back into the game all to no avail as the South Africans kept their shape at the back.

Achraf Hakimi was handed an opportunity to equalise for Morocco from the penalty spot after Mothobi Mvala handled the ball in the 18-yard box, but the PSG defender’s effort hit the cross bar in the 85th minute.

Manchester United midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat was sent off for a professional foul before Teboho Mokoena delivered a sublime free-kick to increase South Africa’s lead and confirm their place in the quarter-finals.

Morocco’s wait for a second Nations Cup trophy since 1976 continues, while South Africa will take on Cape Verde on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.

In the other match of the day, Mali earned a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso to book a quarter-finals clash with Ivory Coast on Saturday.