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Afcon 2023: South Africa, Morocco gear up for intense round of 16 showdown

Posted : 29 January 2024

South Africa is poised for a crucial Round of 16 clash against Morocco at the San Pedro Stadium in their bid to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

 

Bafana Bafana experienced a challenging start with a loss to Mali but rebounded impressively with a 4-0 victory over Namibia, securing their place in the knockout stage by finishing second in Group E with a goalless draw against Tunisia.

 

Morocco, led by head coach Walid Regragui, began their Afcon campaign strongly, defeating Tanzania 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with Congo in Group F. The Atlas Lions sealed their group stage with a 1-0 win over Zambia, setting the stage for a compelling encounter against South Africa.

 

The coaching dynamics come into play as Walid Regragui returns to the touchline for Morocco after a two-match suspension. However, uncertainties surround the availability of key players, with Hakim Ziyech nursing an ankle injury for Morocco, while South Africa monitors Khuliso Mudau's recovery after an ankle injury. Despite concerns, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos expresses optimism about the potential inclusion of Mothobi Mvala.

 

Broos acknowledges the significance of the upcoming match, stating that a victory over Morocco would significantly propel South Africa towards a potential final in the tournament. Meanwhile, Regragui is focused on securing a win for Morocco, aiming to replicate their historic run in the 2022 World Cup and clinch the Afcon trophy.

 

Key players to watch include Percy Tau for South Africa, whose impactful performance in the group stages, particularly his crucial penalty against Namibia, has elevated him to a star player. On the Moroccan side, Achraf Hakimi, renowned as one of the best full-backs globally, contributes to the squad with his versatility in providing assists, scoring goals, and solidifying the defense.

 

As the teams prepare for a closely contested match, the historical balance in their encounters adds an additional layer of intrigue, with both nations having won three times and drawn on three occasions in their previous meetings. The fixture promises to be a captivating showdown with a quarterfinal berth at stake.

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