South Africa 2- 0 Morocco: A shocking defeat sees South Africa advance to the quarter-finals.
South Africa pulled off a stunning upset against Morocco in the round of 16 in the Africa Cup of Nations, securing a 2-0 victory with second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena, eliminating the World Cup semi-finalists and odds on favorite from the tournament in San Pedro on Tuesday.
Morocco’s dreams of clinching the Africa Cup of Nations were shattered at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, prolonging their 48-year drought for that glory.
Morocco began the match applying pressure, and the first significant threat came in the 10th minute courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri, who missed his opportunity.
South Africa reacted strongly, particularly with Mokoena’s low shot in the 16th minute, nearly catching Bono off guard, and resulting in a corner kick.
Hugo Broos instructed his players to shoot from a distance and take advantage of set pieces, troubling goalkeeper Bono.
Amin Adly had a one-on-one opportunity with the last defender, but his rushed shot from close range was stopped by goalkeeper Williams in the 43rd minute.
In the beginning of the second half Ezzalzouli called for a penalty, claiming a tackle was made by defender Mphela. Nevertheless, Sudanese referee Ismail Mahmoud instructed the play to proceed.
Taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the Atlas Lions, a nice ball played to, Makgopa who took a shot to net the opening goal for the Bafana Bafana in the 57th minute.
Two minutes later, Ezzalzouli found himself in an ideal position after a pass from Onahi, and he struck the ball powerfully, but Williams made a fantastic save.
In the 84th minute, the Moroccan national team was awarded a penalty after VAR intervention. Achraf Hakimi’s attempt hit the crossbar, missing a crucial chance for the equalizer.
Morocco’s troubles escalated in the final minutes as Sofiane Amrabat was sent off. South Africa secured their spot in the next round with a decisive goal from a direct free-kick by Teboho Mokoena bringing the match to an end.
