The Bafana Bafana have shockingly edged out 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco to reach the quarter-final of 2023 AFCON, MySportDab reports.
It was a rollercoaster as Morocco, who were among the favorites to win the competition following an impressive 2022 World Cup performance, locked horns with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Morocco were tipped to edge pass the South Africans but it wasn’t going to be an easy tie for the Atlas Lions. South Africa pulled a sensational performance in the group stages to book a slot in the next round of the tournament, hence they were not push-overs going into the game.
South Africa started on the front foot going forward but managed less attempts than the Atlas Lions, who were firing from all angle to take the lead.
A strong defensive by the two teams saw them settle for a barren draw at the break as they could not find the back of the net.
South Africa started the second half continuing with a more dominant display with Morocco shockingly dropping backwards as the Bafana Bafana mounted pressure.
It wasn’t long before the South Africans take the lead. Makgopa fired the Bafana Bafana in front in the 52nd minute to capped a more dominant performance by the South Africans.
Morocco then committed more bodies forward trying to find an equaliser. It was marathon of pressure against the South Africans as the Atlas ramped up attempts to find the equaliser.
After several fruitless attempts, Morocco got a lifeline to level the score as they won a penalty in the 83rd minute. PSG defender missed the spotkick in a defining moment that edge the Bafana Bafana close to victory.
With a few minutes left to play, South Africa were still in the lead but were reeling under intense pressure by Morocco, who were desperately in search of an equaliser.
In the 90+5th minute, Morocco’s comeback hopes suffered heavy blow as Mokena scored to double the lead for South Africa.
The game ended with South Africa securing an unlikely victory over the Atlas Lions to reach the last 8 of the tournament.
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