South Africa shock World Cup semi-finalist Morocco to set up Cape Verde AFCON quarter-final

South Africa will play Cape Verde in the AFCON quarter-finals

South Africa will play Cape Verde in the AFCON quarter-finals Credit: None

One of the pre-tournament favourites Morocco have exited the Africa Cup of Nations after being eliminated at the hands of South Africa on Tuesday night.

Evidence Makgopa produced the goods for the Bafana Bafana with a 57th minute strike.

Five minutes from time Morocco got themselves a VAR awarded penalty to try and take the match to extra-time but Achraf Hakimi blasted his spot kick off the cross bar.

The South African win was wrapped up with a stunning free kick from Teboho Mokoena five minutes into second half injury time after Soofyan Amrabat was sent off for the Atlas Lions for a professional foul.

South Africa will now play Cape Verde in Saturday’s quarter-final in the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yasmoussoukro.

In the earlier game on Tuesday, Mali made it through to the AFCON quarter-finals at the expense of Burkina Faso in Korhogo.

Early goals in both halves - an own goal by Edmond Tabsoba in the 3rd minute along with a 47th minute half strike by Lassine Sinayoko - earned the win for the Eagles.

Skipper Bertrand Traore scored a penalty in the 57th minute for Burkia Faso but the Stallions couldn’t find another goal.

Mali will play tournament hosts Ivory Coast in Bouake on Saturday.

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile