Morocco vs South Africa: Hugo Broos Says Bafana Bafana Eyeing Victory for a Shot at AFCON 2023 Final

• Hugo Broos believes South Africa can make it to the AFCON 2023
• Bafana Bafana will face the World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in the last 16
• Morocco coach Walid Regragui will be on the touchline again following his ban

Head coach Hugo Broos says South Africa is optimistic that securing a win against formidable Morocco could pave the way to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Having reached a World Cup semifinal in 2022 in Qatar, Morocco boasts one of the continent's most formidable line-ups.

Broos, however, remains hopeful that Bafana Bafana's positive head-to-head record against the Atlas Lions, including two closely contested qualifiers, might provide a strategic advantage for a stunning upset in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Belgian coach, who witnessed a 2-1 loss to Morocco in July 2022 and a surprising victory in the return match at FNB Stadium in June, acknowledges the challenge the North African team poses. Despite Morocco's recent victories in crucial clashes, South Africa holds a decent record with three wins, three draws, and two losses in eight meetings.

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Broos is inspired by the recent competitive nature of matches against Morocco and Bafana's hard-fought second-place finish in Group E. He believes his team could perform remarkably on Tuesday, January 30.

"It’s amazing what happened in the group stages here in this Afcon. So it asks a lot of the players, but I think if you manage them well, we can produce a good game against Morocco. We have played them twice…and that even against such a good team as Morocco, there are possible things," Broos said, as quoted by Times Live.

Broos views a triumph over Morocco as a crucial advancement for Bafana Bafana, setting the stage for favourable progress in the upcoming rounds.

Morocco's impressive form, entering the clash, is underscored by an undefeated performance in the group stage, securing two wins and a draw. The Atlas Lions' solid run included a draw against DR Congo and victories over Zambia and Tanzania, allowing them to clinch the top spot in Group F.

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Morocco coach Walid Regragui will be on the touchline again following his two-match suspension, which was dismissed following an appeal, as reported by ESPN.

South Africa faced an initial setback with a loss to Mali but bounced back resiliently to secure a spot in the last 16. Their resurgence featured a convincing 4-0 victory against Namibia and a strategic goalless draw against Tunisia, propelling them into the knockout stage.

Bafana Bafana boasts a notable history against the Atlas Lions, winning three out of their eight encounters. This includes a significant 2-1 victory in AFCON qualifying last year.

The upcoming clash holds added significance as the Atlas Lions emerged victorious (1-0) the last time they faced Bafana Bafana in the AFCON.

Bafana Bafana’s possible path to the AFCON 2023 final if they beat Morocco

Sports Brief previously reported on what may lie ahead for Bafana Bafana if they beat Morocco, and possible fixtures to the final.

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The winner of South Africa vs Morocco earns a quarter-final against Cape Verde or Mauritania.

The Blue Sharks, are brimming with talent and will back themselves to remain undefeated.