South Africa caused an upset by eliminating the favorites Morocco from the African Cup of Nations in the round of 16 with a 2-0 victory. Morocco, considered a strong contender for the title, had reached the World Cup semi-finals just over a year ago but couldn't advance in this tournament.
The first half at the Laurent Poukou Stadium in San Pedro ended without goals, and South Africa took the lead 12 minutes into the second half with a goal from Evidence Makgopa. In the 85th minute, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi missed a crucial opportunity to equalize when his penalty hit the crossbar. In stoppage time, Teboho Mokoena scored South Africa's second goal, securing their win. Manchester United midfielder Sofian Amrabat received a red card just before the second goal.
South Africa will now face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals. In another match, Mali defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 and will play against hosts Ivory Coast in the next phase.
The African Cup of Nations has been full of surprises, with defending champions Senegal, as well as Egypt and Cameroon, exiting in the round of 16. Earlier in the tournament, Algeria, Ghana, and Tunisia were also eliminated in the group phase. Among the traditional football powerhouses of the continent, Nigeria and Ivory Coast are the remaining contenders. /BGNES
