2023 AFCON: Morocco v South Africa preview

Themba Zwane of South Africa during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between South Africa and Tunisia at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on 24 January 2024 ©Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix

by Thando Mpembe

Monday Jan 29, 2024. 14:09

Date: 30 January 2024

Kick-off: 22h00 CAT

South Africa will be hoping to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they get ready to face Morocco on Tuesday evening. The match will be played at the San Pedro Stadium.

Head-to-head: The fixture seems to have evenly balanced results as both teams have produced wins against the other three times. They have also drawn three times in this encounter.

South Africa last three results: Ahead of the Round of 16, South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat against Mali in their AFCON opener. Bafana Bafana redeemed themselves after a rampant 4-0 victory against Namibia. Following that, in their final Group E game, South Africa played to a goalless draw against Tunisia.

Morocco’s last three results: Morocco’s first group stage match at the AFCON saw them comfortably beat Tanzania 3-0. They then played to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and then secured a 1-0 victory against Zambia.

Team news: Walid Regragui, the head coach of Morocco, will be back on the sidelines after an appeal resulted in the lifting of his two-match suspension.

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech’s availability is questionable due to an ankle injury sustained against Zambia. It’s unclear if the winger will be back in time for the match as he was taken off the pitch and was sitting on the bench with an ice pack on his ankle.

Khuliso Mudau suffered an ankle injury against Tunisia and had to be substituted at half time, raising concerns for South Africa’s fitness. He is, nevertheless, recuperating well and might make an appearance.

The head coach of Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, is also hopeful that Mothobi Mvala, who suffered a knock in the same game will be available.

Key player – South Africa: Percy Tau will be a crucial member for Bafana Banana’s attack as he is known for his speed and being clinical in front of goal. The forward has one goal in the tournament as it stands.

Key player – Morocco: Achraf Hakimi is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world and it will be expected for him to produce his signature crosses and also safety in the Atlas Lions’ defence.