AFCON 2023: Morocco Coach Fires Warning to South Africa Ahead of Round of 16 Tie

• Rachid Benmahmoud wants Morocco to take revenge against South Africa
• The Morocco assistant manager will be in charge against Bafana Bafana
• Morocco has been drawn to play South Africa in the Round of 16

Morocco is still pained over their loss to South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2023 and is planning to take revenge against Bafana Bafana when both teams meet again in the Ivory Coast.

The Atlas Lions, who have won all their games so far at the 2023 AFCON, have been drawn to face Hugo Broos’ team in the Round of 16 set to take place on Tuesday, January 30, in San Pedro.

According to KingFut, Morocco’s assistant manager, Rachid Benmahmoud, has charged the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists to take their revenge against South Africa when the two teams meet again.

AFCON 2023: Mohammed Kudus vows to end Ghana's 42 year wait for title

Football

“South Africa beat us in the last encounter, and we were not at our best then. Currently, we have ready players and many names that were not present in that match. We will prepare for the match, and we have no excuses.”

South Africa defeated Morocco 2-1 the last time both teams met in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2023.

CAF reduces Walid Regragui Suspension

Meanwhile, Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, is expected to be back on the sidelines when the Atlas Lions confront South Africa in their Round of 16 clash after having his suspension reduced, Morocco World News reports.

The Moroccan manager had initially been handed a four-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his altercation with DR Congo defender Chancel Mbemba.

The new decision came following the Moroccan FA's urgent appeal, condemning the “unjust” CAF decision against Regragui a few hours before the Atlas Lions’s last group game against Zambia.

AFCON 2023: Mark Williams Raises Concerns About Bafana Bafana’s Midfield

Football

Morocco help Ivory Coast qualify

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ivory Coast advanced to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations thanks to Morocco's 1-0 victory against Zambia on Wednesday.

Hakim Ziyech scored the game's sole goal late in the first half, and the Atlas Lions will remain in San Pedro for a last-16 match against South Africa next Tuesday.

Morocco's victory was lauded throughout the host country, allowing Ivory Coast to go to the next round as one of the four best third-place teams.