The biggest surprises at AFCON 2023

Morocco became the latest big name to be eliminated before the round of the eight strongest teams at the Africa Cup of Nations began.

The player "was sent off the field twice", even the assistant referee was surprised

African player recreates 'Hand of God' moment at AFCON 2023

The Moroccan team, which two years ago was the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, was without wingers Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal, as both were injured in the win over Zambia, but defender Noussair Mazraoui had his first match after recovering from a thigh injury. The Atlas Lions were the team that created more chances, but were stunned when Themba Zwane assisted Evidence Makgopa to score South Africa's opening goal in the 57th minute.

Morocco responded with increased pressure but had to wait until the 82nd minute to see relief when South African defender Mothobi Mvala awarded a penalty for blocking Ayoub El Kaabi's shot with his hand. However, instead of equalizing the score at 1-1, Hakimi shot over the crossbar from the 11-meter mark in the 85th minute. Morocco's task became even more complicated when midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was sent off in the 4th minute of injury time. , and Teboho Mokoena sealed their fate just a minute later with a finish into the top left corner.

“We are very disappointed because we came here with the ambition of winning the championship. Being eliminated so early in the tournament was something no one expected but this cup was really tough. A lot of surprises," said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who returned after his coaching ban was lifted but now faces an uncertain future. “I promised that Morocco will reach the semi-finals no matter what happens, so we will have an open discussion. In any case, I never shirk responsibility, at least on my part. I did not succeed!”.

South African players celebrate after eliminating Morocco to reach the quarterfinals

Morocco followed defending champion Senegal, seven-time champion Egypt, five-time champion Cameroon, four-time champion Ghana, along with former champions Algeria and Tunisia all eliminated before the quarter-finals. Along with the fact that Mali defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals in the remaining match of the round of 16, it also means that none of the eight teams that reached the quarter-finals in this tournament have ever appeared at the same stage. part of the previous edition in Cameroon, as well as none of the five African teams that competed at the 2022 World Cup.

8 teams participate in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023

“We were warned, we made unusual mistakes. But today I am responsible for the choices, for everything that happened today," coach Regragui added. “Penalties happen, that's football. Ashraf probably could have let us back into the match. But then when we look at the situation, how do we let go? It doesn't reflect well on our team. So I need to congratulate South Africa.”

South Africa will next play Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro in the quarter-finals on Saturday. On the same day Mali will play host to Ivory Coast in Bouake. Before that on Friday are the first two quarter-finals, with Nigeria playing Angola and DR Congo meeting Guinea.