Morocco 0-2 South Africa: World Cup semi-finalists shocked in last 16 of Africa Cup of Nations

South Africa produced a big upset to knock 10-man Morocco out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Round of 16 stage, beating the continent’s top-ranked nation 2-0 in a smash-and-grab performance in San Pedro.

Excellent second half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena earned Bafana Bafana a famous victory against a Moroccan side who saw Achraf Hakimi miss a late penalty and finished with ten men after Sofyan Amrabat was sent off.

Morocco had a string of openings and largely dominated possession, but South Africa were a threat throughout on the counter and they opened the scoring with one such move as Makgopa avoided the wonky offside trap and finished well into the bottom corner, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR review.

It looked like the Atlas Lions had been handed a reprieve when an unintentional but goal-saving handball by Mothobi Mvala saw Morocco awarded a penalty and a chance to level with just six minutes left on the clock.

But Hakimi hit the bar from the spot, and things went from bad to worse for Morocco when Amrabat was adjudged to have fouled Mokoena as last man and was shown a second yellow, which was subsequently upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review.

And Mokoena sealed the win for South Africa by whipping home a brilliant shot from the free-kick he had just won, sparking jubilant scenes in the Bafana Bafana squad.

They will now face Cabo Verde in a quarter-final of AFCON underdogs, while Morocco will rue a huge missed opportunity to win the continent’s biggest prize.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mali held on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 and seal their place in the last eight, where they will play tournament hosts Ivory Coast.

What on earth went wrong for Morocco?

Missing a penalty, having a man sent off, and failing to convert a number of decent chances certainly didn’t help.

But there was more to this loss than just unfortunate moments. Morocco didn’t really look right in the first-half, playing well within themselves. And when they finally clicked into gear in the second half it was a bit too late.

Credit must go to South Africa for an excellent display and a tactical set up that took risks but proved extremely effective. Yet Morocco’s fans and federation would have had expectations of winning this tournament, and there will no doubt be pressure on the manager in the coming days.

The scorer of the sublime late free-kick that wrapped up the win for his side, Mokoena was outstanding all evening.

He provided a constant outlet for his side, and tested Bono on a couple of occasions in the first half with decent long-range hits.

But the Moroccan stopper had little chance with his stunning set-piece effort late on.

Morocco: Bounou 7, Hakimi 5, Aguerd 7, Saiss 5, Attiat-Allah 5, Amrabat 3, Ounahi 5, Amallah 6, Ezzalzouli 7, Adli 6, En-Nesyri 6. Subs: Saibari 6, Harit 6, El Kaabi 7, Attiyat Allah 6

South Africa: Williams 7, Mudau 8, Kekana 9, Mvala 8, Modiba 8, Mokoena 9, Sithole 8, Morena 8, Tau 7, Zwane 7, Makgopa 9. Subs: Maseko 7, Monare 7, Lepasa 7

58’ – GOAL! MOROCCO 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA (MAKGOPA)

Time seems to stand still as Makgopa darts in behind and slots a finish beyond Bono and into the far corner. Everyone seemed to expect the flag to go up, but it doesn’t and South Africa celebrate. VAR will check this.

82’ – PENALTY! The Morocco players are furious and surround the referee, some even making contact with the official as they appeal for a penalty. El Kaabi’s shot clearly caught the arm of Mvala and would have been a goal had it not, so the referee has no real choice but to award the penalty. South Africa are frustrated because it was unintentional and from close range, but you have to give that.

85’ – HAKIMI MISSES! It’s a long wait for the spot-kick, and Hakimi’s penalty rattles the crossbar and pings over. It’s heartbreak for Morocco, but there’s still time. Not much of it mind!

91’ – RED CARD Amrabat is the last man as he darts across to try and get to Mokoena as a long ball flies over the top. The midfielder gives his man a nudge, and the referee blows for a foul. The minute that was called a foul the rest is inevitable… or is it? VAR have told the ref to have a look.

94’ – UPGRADED TO STRAIGHT RED! Amrabat thought he might be about to get a reprieve, but the VAR and on-field referee decide that in fact it should be a straight red for a foul as the last man, and Amrabat heads down the tunnel.

96’ – GOAL! MOROCCO 0-2 SOUTH AFRICA (MOKOENA) That’s the ultimate punishment. The free-kick that Amrabat gave away with that red card foul hands South Africa a shooting opportunity, and Mokoena takes advantage with an absolute peach of a freekick that whips into the top corner to give South Africa a cushion. Remarkable! It’s 2-0!

South Africa will play Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, and have not gone beyond the last eight at an AFCON in 24 years.

Morocco’s 48-year wait for an AFCON title continues. They have reached the knockout stage of the last four tournaments, but haven’t reached a final since 2004 and have only won the AFCON once, in 1976.