South Africa knock Morocco out of AFCON, advances to quarter-finals

Morocco faced an unexpected exit as South Africa secured a 2-0 victory, reaching the quarter-finals for the third time in their last four African Cup of Nations appearances, thanks to Evidence Makgopaโ€™s decisive goal.

The first half unfolded with tight scoring opportunities marked by Teboho Mokoenaโ€™s audacious 40-yard attempt, causing a moment of concern for Yassine Bounou.

Moroccoโ€™s halftime message seemed to have emphasised more attacking intent, but Bafana Bafanaโ€™s counterattack proved pivotal. Makgopa, yet to score in the tournament, capitalised on a well-timed run, scoring and sending his team into wild jubilation.

Despite Moroccoโ€™s desperate attempts, their chance to level from the spot came late in the game. Ayoub El Kaabiโ€™s close-range effort struck Mothobi Mvalaโ€™s hand, resulting in a contentious penalty. Moroccan star Achraf Hakimiโ€™s penalty hit the crossbar, lacing the teamโ€™s frustration with predicament.

With Sofyan Amrabat receiving a red card for a foul in injury time, Morocco faced further adversity.

Teboho Mokoenaโ€™s sublime free-kick goal into the top-left corner sealed Bafana Bafanaโ€™s progress and compounded Moroccoโ€™s misery.

South Africaโ€™s coach Broos, conscious of the tournamentโ€™s unpredictable nature, now dares to believe their 28-year trophy drought might end in just 12 days.

Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in international friendly

Morocco continued with their brilliant performance that saw them reach the World Cup semi-finals in December 2022, beating Brazil 2-1 in a friendly game at Grand Stade de Tanger Stadium on Saturday.

Being both teamโ€™s first game after the World Cup, the Atlas Lions delivered a brilliant performance before their home fans, while the Sambo boys suffered another defeat after their humiliating exit from the World Cup.

Brazilians had a couple of clear chances early in the first half but could not convert any of them. Sofiane Boufal gave Morocco the lead 29 minutes into the game, when he made a brilliant turn in the penalty box before firing into the left corner, leaving Brazil one goal down into the first half break.

Brazil returned to the second half playing better and harder to control the game. But Moroccoโ€™s defence line proved impenetrable for the Samba Boys.

After much effort, Manchester United star Casemiro levelled for Samba Boys in the 67th minute with a curl from outside the eighteen yard box.

But again Morocco will not allow the game end in a draw.Abedelhamid Sabiri made it two for the Moroccans in the 79th minute, roofing a shot into Brazilโ€™s net.

With Saturdayโ€™s win against five-time World Cup winner Brazil, the Moroccans made another statement that their World Cup performance last year was not a fluke.