AFCON 2023: President Cyril Ramaphosa Sends Message to South Africa Ahead of Morocco Match

• South Africa's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign will be decided later tonight
• Bafana Bafana meet Morocco in the Round of 16 with a quarter-final place at stake
• The country's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has delivered his message to the team

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has joined other South Africans in sending words of encouragement to Bafana Bafana ahead of their massive AFCON clash with Morocco.

Hugo Broos' side are looking to cause an upset when they play the North Africans and book their place in the quarter-final.

South Africa defeated the Atlas Lions last year and are hoping to repeat that performance on Tuesday evening, January 30.

Ramaphosa believes Bafana Bafana will beat Morocco and book their spot in the quarter-final.

"Bafana are playing tonight and they are going to win, without any doubt. Tell them that I expect them to win. I’m here with their super coach, the minister and the whole nation is behind them," said Zizi Kodwa, South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, on behalf of the president.

Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos Hailed by Mali Coach and Captain Ahead of AFCON 2023 Opener

Football

South Africa have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in Ivory Coast, and although Morocco have more talent, they can hurt Walid Regragui's side.

They scored four goals in the tournament, and these all came against neighbours, Namibia in their second group game, per Far Post.

South Africa's path to AFCON final

Bafana Bafana's path to the final of AFCON 2023 is tough. They must beat Morocco, the top-ranked team in Ivory Coast, to progress to the quarter-final.

If they advance, they will face giant killers Cape Verde, who topped a group with Ghana and Egypt before eliminating Mauritania in their Round of 16 clash.

South Africa could play Nigeria or Angola in the semis and would need a plan to stop Victor Osimhen to reach the final, as Sports Brief previously reported.

Pitso Mosimane's message to South Africa

Sports Brief also reported on former Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa coach, Pitso Mosimane, sending his message of support to the team ahead of their huge match against Morocco.

He highlighted South Africa's strengths before wishing them the best against a superior opponent, believing that confidence, resilience and hard work would be among the elements needed.