![AFCON 2023: South Africa stun Morocco 2-1 to pick quarter-final spot](https://i0.wp.com/toptechblitz.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SA-vs-MR.jpg?resize=814%2C526&ssl=1)
South Africa pulled a stunner against 10-man Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a quarter-final clash against Cape Verde.
Evidence Makgopa opened the scoring in the 57th minute, with his goal surviving a VAR review for offside.
Meanwhile, Morocco had a chance to equalize late in the game when Achraf Hakimi was awarded a penalty after Mothobi Mvala was judged to have handled the ball.
However, Hakimi’s spot-kick hit the crossbar, denying Morocco the opportunity to draw level.
![AFCON 2023: South Africa stun Morocco 2-1 to pick quarter-final spot](https://i0.wp.com/toptechblitz.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hakimi-missed-his-spot-kick-Getty-image.jpg?resize=814%2C538&ssl=1)
Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was sent off in stoppage time, further complicating Morocco’s chances.
South Africa capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Teboho Mokoena sealing the victory with a fine free-kick past Bono. The win now brings South Africa into the quarter-finals, where they will face Cape Verde.
South Africa, the 1996 champions, will be aiming to surpass their quarter-final exit in the 2019 tournament as they look to advance to the semi-finals.