South Africa coach Hugo Bross attributes their 2-0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations to a strategic game plan. Bafana Bafana successfully advanced to the quarter-finals, eliminating Morocco with well-deserved goals in the second half. Bross explained that in the initial half, their focus was on restraining Morocco and disrupting their passing patterns. As the game progressed, they seized opportunities and scored. Bross emphasized the importance of scoring first, recognizing it as a significant advantage in the match. Looking ahead, South Africa is set to face Cape Verde on February 3 in the quarter-finals.
The initial period witnessed limited chances for scoring. Despite the Atlas Lions of Morocco having a promising opportunity, their goal was nullified by the VAR.
In contrast, the second half diverged from the earlier lack of excitement and goals. South Africa seized the advantage in the 57th minute as Evidence Makgopa, the striker, converted a pass within the 18-yard box, directing the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Facing a deficit, Morocco’s sole objective became equalizing, prompting the inclusion of additional forwards.
In the 83rd minute, Morocco earned a penalty when a ball struck Teboho Mokoena’s hands inside the South African 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty after a VAR review.
Achraf Hakimi assumed the responsibility to convert, but his attempt saw the ball striking the crossbar and ultimately going out of play.
South Africa breathed a sigh of relief following the missed penalty, yet the pressure persisted. Sofyan Amrabat was sent off after a challenge on Mokoena as the last defender, receiving a second yellow card, which was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review by referee Mahmood Ismail.
Despite being numerically disadvantaged, South Africa capitalized and secured the second goal to clinch the game, courtesy of a splendid free kick by Teboho Mokoena.
Despite the loss, Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, framed it as a valuable learning experience for the younger players on the team. He expressed disappointment for the fans, believing they deserved a better outcome, but acknowledged the team’s effort and expressed hope that the players, especially the younger ones, would glean important lessons from the experience.