AFCON Round of 16: Morocco vs South Africa preview
Morocco and South Africa conclude the Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16, with both sides fighting for the opportunity to face Cape Verde in the quarterfinals.
Will Morocco justify their standing as tournament favourites? Or can Bafana Bafana spring an upset? The Sports Gazette states the case for each side ahead of kick-off at 20:00 GMT.
The case for Morocco
The 2022 World Cup darlings finished top of Group F after beating Tanzania and Zambia and drawing against DR Congo.
The Atlas Lions will have their manager, Walid Regragui, back on the touchline after successfully appealing his suspension. However, they will be without forward Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech’s availability remains unlikely after going off injured against Zambia.
Ziyech faces a race against the clock after injuring his ankle in match-day 3
Additionally, they likely remain without injured defender Noussair Mazraoui. Mohamed Chibi filled in for the Bayern Munich man in the first two games, while Yahia Attiyat Allah was deputised in the final group match.
Despite being one of the favourites going into the tournament, Regragui reiterated, “We have a lot of respect for South Africa. They were the last team to beat us on the continent. We’re not in a favourable position, which is why I’m insisting on my group’s humility.”
South Africa were the only team to beat Morocco in AFCON qualifiers.
Morocco are looking to capitalise on recent success
Beyond Morocco’s semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, their recent AFCON success is also promising. They made it to the round of 16 in 2019 and the quarter-finals in 2017 and 2021. However, they have not made it past the quarter-finals since 2004.
The Atlas Lions are looking for their first AFCON title in 48 years, but face a big test against South Africa to keep their hopes alive.
The case for South Africa
South Africa advanced as runners-up after a mixed campaign in Group E.
They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mali on matchday one, but this exposed an inability to finish chances, not create them.
Percy Tau missed from the spot against Mali, but redeemed himself against Namibia
The Bafana rediscovered their clinical edge as they thrashed rivals Namibia 4-0, showcasing the lethal attacking potential of their 4-2-3-1 when in full flow.
A stalemate against Tunisia was enough to secure progression, but this was hardly an inspiring result.
Morocco may be a formidable opponent, but they are a familiar one too.
The Atlas Lions shared South Africa’s AFCON qualifying group, and Bafana were able to steal a 2-1 win over the World Cup semi-finalists in June 2023.
Hugo Broos is hoping that history can repeat itself tonight.
He said: “We already beat Morocco a year ago and we can do it again. Anything is possible and we want to create another surprise in this competition.
“We’re confident, we believe in ourselves and in what we can do.”
Confident as Broos may be, they will face stern opposition from a star-studded Moroccan side.
Themba Zwane was outstanding against Namibia, but “The General” will have to overcome Morocco’s midfield destroyer Sofyan Amrabat if he is to succeed today.
Zwane scored a brace against the Brave Warriors
The Bafana have a defensive dynamo of their own in Audrey Modiba and the left-back will be key in the battle to keep Morocco’s right-flank quiet.
The quality that Hakim Ziyech brings from right-wing is one matter, but right-back Achraf Hakimi has created the most chances (10) of anyone during the group stages.
Modiba may well be the man for this exceedingly difficult job, having won possession more times (30) than anyone else in the group stages.
Jonny Coffey
