South Africa will be making their bid to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) when they go up against Morocco in their Round of 16 tie at the San Pedro Stadium on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Bafana Bafana faced a loss in their opener against Mali but redeemed themselves with a stunning performance against Namibia, where they won 4-0.
They played to a goalless draw against Tunisia and ultimately secured their qualification for the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group E.
The Atlas Lions started off their Afcon campaign on a winning note, comfortably beating Tanzania 3-0.
Their next match in Group F saw them draw 1-1 with Congo, who have just registered their spot in the quarterfinals. Their final group match ended with a 1-0 win over Zambia.
TEAM NEWS
Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, will return to the touchline after his two-match suspension was lifted following an appeal.
Hakim Ziyech is a doubt for Morocco after suffering an ankle injury against Zambia. The winger sat on the bench with an ice pack on his ankle as he was taken off and it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for the clash.
South Africa was concerned about Khuliso Mudau's fitness after being forced off at halftime against Tunisia due to an ankle injury. However, he is making good progress in his recovery and may feature.
Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana's head coach, is also optimistic that Mothobi Mvala will be available after receiving a knock in the same match.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes that if they can beat Morocco, the team will have a path to the final of the tournament.
“If we beat Morocco then we know we have a big chance to play in the final. And I don’t want to underestimate Cape Verde or Mauritania but it’s still a difference from playing those teams than against a side like we are playing on Tuesday,” said Broos.
“So we know that if we can [beat Morocco] we take a big step towards what we all wanted — playing in the final and maybe winning it.”
Atlas Lions head coach Walid Regragui is targeting a win and hopes his nation will get their hands on the Afcon trophy since they had a solid run in the 2022 World Cup, making it to the semifinal.
“What we did at the World Cup was historic and when people recognise this talent, it means so much to me and everyone on the team. It was an unbelievable achievement at the World Cup. We put Africa on the world map,” he said.
“But now, we have a different mindset. The Africa Cup of Nations is very, very tough but we are going with the same spirit and Inshallah, if we do our very best, we are going to win this trophy.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Percy Tau: The forward is a star player for Bafana Bafana and provides an attacking threat to the side. In the group stages, Tau’s penalty against Namibia was crucial in getting the team fired up for the rest of the encounter.
Achraf Hakimi: Known as one of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi is a crucial member to Morocco’s squad with his ability to provide assists, score and also adding solidity in the defence.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The fixture is evenly balanced as Morocco have won three times in their encounters and South Africa have also won the same amount of times. The nations have played to a draw three times as well.