South Africa pulled off a major upset by defeating Africa’s top-ranked team, Morocco, with a 2-0 victory.
Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored in the second half, securing Bafana Bafana’s place in the next round.
The shocking result comes as Morocco considered one of the tournament’s giants, faced their second defeat in 13 matches, both inflicted by South Africa.
Bafana Bafana nabs AFCON victory
Hearts raced as Evidence Makgopa scored a well-timed goal in the 57th minute surviving a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) check for offside. The move managed to put South Africa in the lead.
Though Morocco had opportunities to level, including a penalty awarded after a handball by Mothobi Mvala. The South African team‘s win was within reach when Achraf Hakimi’s 85th-minute spot-kick hit the crossbar. Teboho Mokoena sealed the victory with a classy free-kick.
Morrocco’s AFCON loss unexpected
Morocco was once on the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists list. The defeat adds them to the list of top-ranked teams exiting the tournament early, joining Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso. South Africa’s quarter-final clash against Cape Verde awaits them on Saturday.
Mali wins over Burkina Faso in AFCON
In another quarter-final match, Mali secured a place in the next round by defeating Burkina Faso 2-1. Lassine Sinayoko’s goal proved crucial for Mali, marking their first quarter-final appearance since 2013. The victory was a welcome change of fortune for Mali, who faced early exits in previous tournaments.
2023 AFCON proves unpredictable
Fans all around the continent are stunned as the AFCON 2023 continues to deliver unexpected results. Football fans eagerly anticipate the remaining quarter-final clashes. With Nigeria is set to face Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s clash with Guinea.
The tournament promises more excitement and surprises as teams vie for the prestigious title. Check out what netizens had to say:
@Silumkojojo wrote:
“Ok today they team must work on Saturdays game, plan, watch games of the opponents. Great strategy against Morocco, next game we will win by 1 goal.”
@Msizi1245844 applauded:
“I’ve never been so proud of Bafana Bafana. We’re fully behind you!!!”
@Kgabi_feela wrote:
“We need you to focus now! Back to training!”