AFCON 2023: Hugo Broos Speaks After South Africa Eliminates Favourites Morocco

• Morocco have been knocked out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• South Africa scored twice in the second half to knock them out
• Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was happy with the performance

South Africa delivered another seismic result at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana ousted favourites Morocco 2-0 in the Round of 16 to book a spot in the quarter-final for the first time since 2019. Head coach Hugo Broos was a proud man after the final whistle.

The 1996 champions were underdogs heading into this match since they were facing the top-ranked side on the continent. They went toe to toe with the Atlas Lions in the first half, surprising many Moroccans and neutrals.

Evidence Makgopa scored in the 57th minute to give the South Africans the lead. Achraf Hakimi then missed a penalty in the 85th minute. Man of the match, Teboho Mokoena, curled in a stunning free-kick to secure the victory after Sofyan Amrabat fouled him.

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The Manchester United midfielder was sent off as a result, per Eurosport. The Atlas Lions and the top five teams in the FIFA rankings are now out of the competition.

South Africa will play Cape Verde in the quarter-final on Saturday, February 3, in Yamoussoukro.

Hugo Broos on South Africa's win

Speaking after the game, an emotional Broos lauded his team's performance.

“I don’t think that I have to tell you that I’m very happy today,” via iDiski Times.

The 2017 AFCON winner was delighted they pulled off a win against Africa's top-ranked side.

“We beat Morocco and it’s not only because we are in the quarter-finals, but beating a team like Morocco is something special."

Walid Regragui's side were expected to go all the way, but nothing is guaranteed in this AFCON.

Mosimane praises Mokoena after victory

Sports Brief earlier reported that former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane praised midfielder Mokoena after his incredible display in Bafana Bafana's win over Morocco.

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South Africa shocked the top-ranked team on the continent after securing a magnificent 2-0 win in San Pedro to advance into the quarter-finals.

Mosimane was full of praise for the midfielder after the final whistle, praising him for his work rate and tactical discipline.