AFCON 2023: Bafana Bafana’s Possible Path to the Final in Abidjan if They Surpass Morocco

• Bafana Bafana qualified for AFCON's Round of 16 as the runner-up in Group E
• South Africa begin the knockout round with a tie against favourites, Morocco
• Senegal and Nigeria are frontrunners with Equatorial Guinea the dark horses

The first team to win four consecutive matches will be crowned champions of Africa.

The old cliche claiming that any result is possible over 90 minutes may be applicable but repeating that against the outstanding level of teams left at AFCON 2023 would be remarkable.

South Africa's first mountain to overcome are Morocco's Atlas Lions, and even if they climb that summit, the journey only gets longer and harder.

Sports Brief polishes the crystal ball to see what may lie ahead for Bafana Bafana if they were to still be in Ivory Coast in two weeks' time.

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Bafana Bafana's path to the AFCON final

Round of 16

South Africa were dominant against Tunisia even though they didn't apply the necessary finish. They will need to be more efficient against Morocco as they can expect to see much less of the ball.

Walid Regragui would do well not to underestimate Hugo Broos' men because if Bafana can absorb the expected onslaught, they have proven to be best on the break. Ronwen Williams heroics after 120 minutes, anyone?

Quarter-finals

The winner of South Africa vs Morocco earns a quarter-final against Cape Verde or Mauritania. Al-Murabitun's shock win over Algeria will likely be their high point as a constantly improving islanders squad eyes history.

Tubarões Azuis, or Blue Sharks, are brimming with European-based talent and will back themselves to remain undefeated against either South Africa or Morocco. If Bafana vanquishes the Atlas Lions, Cape Verde will be next.

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Semi-finals

Themba Zwane was still in primary school and Thapelo Maseko had not even been born yet the last time South Africa reached this stage of the competition.

Nigeria will be expected to finish off a limping Cameroon before dispatching Namibia, who are set to surprise their northern neighbours.

If Bafana Bafana are to face the Super Eagles on February 7, it will be the most talked about football event everywhere between iKapa and Kano. South Africans will be delirious by this stage and all bets would be off.

Final

Even the most optimistic Bafana fans would be beyond shocked if this came to pass. Even a defeat to Nigeria in the semis would be considered a more than successful campaign.

Few would bet against Senegal remaining undefeated until February 11. Egypt and Equatorial Guinea are best placed to spoil the Teranga Lions' party but Sadio Mane and his friends are looking imperious.

The Lion of Judah and four other players that make up South Africa's Big 5 going into AFCON 2023 opener with Mali

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Like all underdogs who have found themselves in daunting positions, a mixture of luck, opportunism and talent got them there. With destiny calling, who is to say they are unworthy?

Cande: How Nigeria can win AFCON

Sports Brief recently reported on Guinea Bissau's coach, Baciro Cande predicting how Nigeria will win AFCON.

The 56-year-old was beaten by Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles and claims they are the favourites to win the title.

The three-time champions have shown defensive solidity but need to demonstrate more in terms of attacking.