AFCON 2023: Morocco vs South Africa Round of 16 Predictions, Preview: Form, Head to Head, Team News

• South Africa and Morocco square off in AFCON's Round of 16 later today
• Bafana Bafana qualified for the last 16 after finishing second in Group E
• The Atlas Lions secured a spot in the last 16 after finishing top of Group F

The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown at Laurent Pokou Stadium later today.

South Africa will square off against Morocco in a critical last-16 clash in San Pedro.

Read on as Sports Brief brings you a preview of this all-important AFCON matchup.

Morocco vs. South Africa Preview

Form Guide

The Atlas Lions will head into their clash against Bafana Bafana in fine form, going undefeated in the group stage with two wins and one draw.

Morocco recorded a draw against DR Congo and defeated Zambia and Tanzania to claim first place in Group F.

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South Africa, on the other hand, bounced back from their opening loss to Mali to reach the last 16.

They crushed Namibia 4-0 before recording a goalless draw against Tunisia to advance to the knockout round.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Bafana Bafana have won three of their previous eight meetings with the Atlas Lions dating back to 1998, including a 2-1 victory in AFCON qualifying last year.

South Africa opened the scoring in the fifth minute after Mohamedi scored an own goal, per News24.

They doubled their advantage through a 48th-minute strike by Lepasa before Hakim Ziyech made things interesting for Morocco with a goal in the 60th minute.

The Atlas Lions defeated Bafana Bafana the last time they faced each other in the Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco recorded a 1-0 win over South Africa at AFCON 2019, with Mbark Boussoufa scoring the game's lone goal in the 90th minute.

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Team News

Morocco coach, Walid Regragui will be able to lead his side in their round-of-16 matchup against South Africa after his two-match suspension at the Africa Cup of Nations was dismissed following an appeal, per ESPN.

Lineups for today's crunch clash have not been announced. South Africa defender, Khuliso Mudau suffered an injury against Tunisia and his status for the game against Morocco remains uncertain.

The good news for Bafana Bafana is that he is back in training.

Hakim Ziyech also suffered an ankle injury in Morocco's last match against Zambia, per the Standard. Atlas Lions fans will be hoping their star player will be fit in time for today's game against South Africa.

He has been training with the team, though, so the signs are good he will see action in the Round of 16.

Writer's Prediction

Morocco edge past South Africa to reach the quarter-finals.

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Broos praises Bafana after qualification

Sports Brief recently reported on Hugo Broos hailing his South Africa side after reaching the Round of 16.

The Bafana Bafana coach praised his players after their draw against Tunisia in the AFCON group stages.

He said the team executed all that he asked them to do, helping to seal their passage to the next round.