In a highly anticipated clash under the floodlights at Stade de San Pedro on a Tuesday night, the Africa Cup of Nations witnessed Morocco locking horns with South Africa in the decisive round of 16 encounter.
The victor of this pivotal match would secure a coveted spot in the quarter-finals, awaiting a showdown against either Cape Verde or Mauritania, who were scheduled to face off a day earlier.
Morocco, initially touted as strong contenders for the tournament crown, sought their second AFCON title in history. The Atlas Lions lived up to expectations in their opener, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Tanzania. However, a stumbling block emerged in their second match, a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo, before concluding the group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia.
With seven points to their name, four clear of the second-placed Congo DR, Walid Regragui’s side aimed to overcome South Africa for a coveted place in the next round. Having faced Bafana Bafana twice during the qualifying series, each team securing one win, the Atlas Lions eyed a return to the quarter-finals, with aspirations to replicate their 1976 trophy-lifting performance.
Regragui, absent from the bench in the win over Zambia due to a CAF-imposed ban, was set to return on the touchline for this crucial encounter. South Africa, reaching the round of 16 by finishing second in Group E with four points, showcased resilience with a superior goal difference after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali in their tournament opener.
Hugo Broos’s squad rebounded emphatically with a 4-0 triumph over Namibia and closed out the group stage with a goalless draw against Tunisia. Having secured quarter-final berths in two of their last three AFCON appearances, Bafana Bafana aimed to continue their success against Morocco.
In head-to-head encounters, South Africa held a slight advantage with three victories in eight meetings, two losses, and three draws. Nonetheless, the Atlas Lions emerged victorious the last time these teams met at AFCON, although that triumph marked their only win in five tournament encounters against South Africa.
As the teams prepared to face off, Morocco’s AFCON form boasted a win, a draw, and a win, while their overall competition form included three consecutive victories. In contrast, South Africa’s AFCON form showcased a loss, a win, and a draw, with their overall competition form comprising a win, a loss, a draw, and another win. The stage was set for a compelling battle between these continental heavyweights.
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