A place in the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) is up for grabs as Morocco and South Africa go toe-to-toe with each other. Which of these outfits will come out on top when it's all said and done?
Morocco vs South Africa overview
This Round of 16 game will be played at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Tuesday January 30. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
Morocco
Morocco accumulated seven points in their three group games, finishing at the top of Group F. They had as many points as all the other teams combined.
Walid Regragui will look to guide his team to the quarter-final as they face South Africa's Bafana Bafana for the third time in 20 months.
South Africa
After a disappointing AFCON opener where they lost to Mali, South Africa got back on track, claiming four points from their next two games.
Hugo Broos will have his work cut out for him, as his men take on an in-form Morocco. It'll be interesting to see how they'll match-up against the Atlas Lions.
Morocco vs South Africa head to head
Morocco and South Africa initially met in February 1998, at the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In total, there have been nine clashes between these sides, and both teams have three wins apiece with three draws between them.
It's worth mentioning that Morocco and South Africa were in the same qualifying group for this tournament. Their most recent encounter took place in June last year.
Morocco vs South Africa potential lineups
It's worth keeping an eye out for Hakim Ziyech. The Galatasaray player was directly involved in Morocco's last two goals, scoring once with one assist.
The Atlas Lions will likely line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation for this match, with Olympiacos' Ayoub El Kaabi leading the attack.
As expected, captain Ronwen Williams should start in goal for South Africa, especially after keeping back-to-back clean sheets.
These are our probable Morocco vs South Africa lineups:
Morocco
Goalkeeper: Bono.
Defenders: Attiyat Allah, Yunis Abdelhamid, Nayef Aguerd, Achraf Hakimi.
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Sofiane Boufal, Ismael Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Amine Adli.
Forwards: Ayoub El Kaabi.
South Africa
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena.
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane.
Morocco vs South Africa tactical analysis
Morocco have enjoyed some fine form these past few months. They won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, with no losses in that eight-game stretch.
The Atlas Lions also kept five clean sheets in those matches, conceding just three times.
On the other hand, South Africa have not particularly put up their best results lately, as they won just one of their last five matches, with two draws and two losses.
Hugo Broos' men have also been inconsistent when it comes to finding the net. While they scored four times in their last five matches, all of those goals came in the same game.
Morocco vs South Africa prediction
Given that South Africa did not score in four of their last five matches, their games have mostly been one-sided when it comes to goals.
Both teams managed to score in just two of South Africa's last 11 matches in all competitions.
Considering Morocco did not concede in four of their last six games, we are fairly confident that one of these teams will keep a clean sheet.
Where to watch Morocco vs South Africa live
This match will be available on beIN Sports and Arryadia for fans who reside in Morocco.
Meanwhile those in South Africa can catch all the action live on Supersport and SABC.
