Bafana stun Morocco to progress to AFCON quarter-finals

Bafana Bafana beat Morocco 2-0 at Stade Laurent Pokou on Tuesday in the AFCON last 16 round to progress to the Quarter-finals. Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa scored the only goal of the match and his first of the tournament in the 57th minute.

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The FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco came into the match as favourites against the Hugo Broos charges. As expected they dominated proceedings in the first half and could have taken a lead before the halftime break.

But a resilient Bafana side managed to hold on and until the first 45 minutes. But it didn’t take time before Makgopa slotted home from close range to give the 1996 Champions a 1-0 lead 10 minutes into the second half.

A VICTORY AGAINST ALL ODDS FOR BAFANA BAFANA AS THEY PROGRESS TO THE NEXT ROUND

Despite an aggressive fightback by the Moroccans, Bafana Bafana managed to hold on to the much-important victory. Bafana thought they had won a penalty kick when substitute Thapelo Maseko looked like he was fouled inside the box but the referee waved play on.

MISSED PENALTY

Morocco were awarded a penalty kick with five minutes remaining after Mvala was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the 18 area. But experienced right-back Achraf Hakimi missed the golden opportunity. Bafana eventually won the match 1-0.

They will now take on Cape Verde in the quarter-final match on Saturday night.

𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥-𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦

Nigeria v Angola
Friday, 2 February
19:00

DR Congo v Guinea
Friday; 2 February
22:00

Mali v Ivory Coast
Saturday, 3 February
19:00

Cape Verde v
Saturday, 3 February

Bafana Bafana: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, Evidence Makgopa.

Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Terrence Mashego, Siyanda Xulu, Osqin Appollis, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Thabang Monare, Zakhele Lepasa, Nkosinathu Sibisi, Mihlali Mayambela.

Morocco XI: Bono, Hakimni, Saiss, Ageurd, Mazraoui, Amallah, Amrabat, Ounah, Adli, Ezzalzouli, En-Nyesri.