South Africa are through to the quarter final of the African Cup of Nations after an upset 2-0 win over Morocco, one of the favorites to win the title.
But the 2020 World Cup semi-finalists were a shadow of themselves. Achrat Hakimi even missed from the spot to blow Morocco’s chance to level up in the 85th minute after South Africa had put their noses in front with Evidence Makgopa’s neat finish in the 57th minute. The Atlas Lions hope that the goal should have been cancelled by VAR did not materialise.
In stoppage time Morocco were reduced to ten men after Sofyan Amrabat was sent off for a second yellow card.
Teboho Mokoena delivered the knock out punch from resulting free kick from the right side of the box with a superb curl, which beat Bono hands down.
And tears flowed freely from the eyes of Moroccan fans who expected much from their team that gave them so much joy in Qatar.
With Morocco joining Senegal at the exit door, two of the teams favoured to win in Cote d’Ivoire have dismissed in the round of 16.
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire who were left for dead in the tournament produced the first upset by coming from a goal down to go through on a 5-4 shootout win against Senegal.
Bafana Bafana will take on rampant Cape Verde who remain unbeaten in the contest, while Cote d’Ivoire will play Mali on Saturday.
Nigeria will face Angola, while DR Congo will square up with Guinea in the other quarter-final pairing on Friday.
