There was another upset at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday after Achraf Hakimi missed a late penalty as Morocco became the latest big name to be knocked out with a 2-0 loss to South Africa in the round-of-16.
Evidence Makgopa’s strike in the 57th minute and a free-kick from Teboho Mokoena in the fifth minute of stoppage-time sent the Bafana Bafana through to the quarter-finals at Morocco’s expense.
“We’re very disappointed, because we came with the ambition of winning it. Going out so early in the tournament wasn’t expected, but this Cup is really difficult. Lots of surprises,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who returned after having his suspension lifted, but now faces an uncertain future. “I said that Morocco was due in the semi-final whatever happened, so we will have a good discussion. In any case, I never hide from taking responsibilities, mine at least. I failed. So there you have it.”
Photo: AFP
FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco were without wingers Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal, both injured in the win over Zambia, but defender Noussair Mazraoui made his first start after recovering from a thigh injury.
The Atlas Lions, who created more chances, were stunned when Themba Zwane sent Makgopa though to score.
They responded with increased pressure, but had to wait until the 82nd minute for a lifeline when Mothobi Mvala was penalized for blocking Ayoub el-Kaabi’s shot with his arm.
However, instead of tying the score at 1-1, Hakimi grazed the top of the crossbar with the spot-kick.
The Atlas Lions’ task was further complicated when midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was sent off in stoppage-time, and Mokoena sealed the win when he fired inside the top-left corner.
Morocco follow defending champions Senegal, seven-time champions Egypt, five-time winners Cameroon, four-time champions Ghana, along with former winners Algeria and Tunisia to be knocked out ahead of the quarter-finals.
South Africa next face Cape Verde on Saturday.
Earlier, Mali held on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 to set up a quarter-final against hosts Ivory Coast.
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