Morocco, a formidable force in the football realm, faced a disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against South Africa in the last-16 stage.
The turning point for South Africa came with goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena, securing their spot in the quarter-finals. The victory was further highlighted by Achraf Hakimi’s missed penalty in the dying moments for Morocco.
The trend of tournament favorites facing untimely exits continued, with Morocco following in the footsteps of reigning champions Senegal, who fell to the Ivory Coast on penalties a day earlier.
Adding to the surprises, Egypt, the runners-up from two years prior, also bowed out at the last-16 stage, succumbing to a penalty shootout loss against DR Congo.
South Africa seized the lead in the 57th minute, as Makgopa skillfully netted the ball past Morocco’s goalkeeper, Bono.
Morocco had a chance to level the score in the 84th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi’s attempt struck the outstretched arm of defender Mothobi Mvala. A VAR review confirmed a penalty, but Hakimi’s spot-kick rattled the crossbar, leaving Morocco trailing.
The challenges escalated for Morocco as Sofyan Amrabat received a second yellow card, leading to a subsequent VAR review. Amrabat was deemed the last man during the foul, resulting in a revision to a straight red card.
Mokoena capitalized on the situation, converting from the free-kick and sealing South Africa’s triumph over Morocco.
It was a stark contrast to Morocco’s impressive journey to the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they etched their name in history by becoming the first African team to reach that stage, defeating football powerhouses Spain and Portugal.
Looking ahead, South Africa is set to face Cape Verde in the upcoming quarter-final clash on Saturday, with hopes of advancing further in the competition.
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