South Africa has managed to beat Morocco three times, including a 2-1 win in their last meeting last year in Johannesburg during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana has lost only twice to Morocco while drawing three times in their last eight meetings.

The two clash again at the AFCON in San Pedro tonight, with South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, high on confidence that his side can upset the tournament favorites.

“We beat Morocco already one year ago in Johannesburg,” Broos told a pre-match press conference. “We played a very good game. Yes, we played our best and that means that we believe that it’s possible tomorrow to beat Morocco…… But we have to achieve our very best level. If we can do that, then maybe we can create another surprise here in this AFCON by eliminating this big team of Morocco.”

Broos said it would not be easy to beat the Atlas Lions but stated that it is not impossible.

“I think it’s an important game for both teams; now in the tournament, you win or you lose. We are aware of the difficult task that’s waiting for us [tonight] in the game against Morocco. Morocco is number 1 in Africa; they were fantastic in the World Cup and it’s full of high-class players.

“So, it will be very difficult but on the other side, this AFCON is full of surprises. You saw the last weeks, big countries going home, Cameroon was eliminated. So, it’s possible in this AFCON.”

With favourites Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Tunisia, and defending champion Senegal already eliminated, South Africa will be motivated to compete against Morocco.

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Broos, who won the AFCON with Cameroon in 2017, hopes to win it again, while Morocco is looking for their first trophy in 76 years.