Morocco - South Africa predictions and free betting tips [30/01/2024]

In the last match of the African Cup of Nations round of 8, Morocco and South Africa national teams will play off against each other.

Morocco national team

The Morocco national team, following a historical success at the last World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals, continues to showcase its high level of play at the African Cup of Nations. Being one of the tournament's favourites, Morocco confidently topped the group, scoring 7 points in three matches. In the final game of the group stage, the team took a victory over Zambia with a 1:0 scoreline thanks to a goal from Ziyech, although they could have won with more sizeable score, failing to convert a multitude of created opportunities.

Morocco kicked off the tournament with a 2:0 victory over Tanzania, where crucial roles were played by Sessegnon and Ounahi’s goals, as well as a rival player’s red card. However, in the second match against DR Congo, the team drew 1:1, failing to preserve the lead after a goal from Hakimi assisted by Ziyech and conceding in the second half.

The Moroccan team under the leadership of experienced coach Walid Regragui features a strong and talented squad. Notable players include Hakimi and Ziyech, as well as the young talent Shadi Riyad. The team also holds experienced players like Yassin Bounou, team captain Romain Saiss, who are active in the Emirates, aspiring West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, attacking winger Sofiane Boufal, and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. Leading the attack is Sevilla's main forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who rested last round, supported by Tarik Tissoudali and Ayoub El Kaabi, the latter of whom has yet to fully prove himself in the tournament.

South Africa national team

The South African national team established itself at the African Cup of Nations, finishing in second place in the group with 4 points after three matches. In the final game of the group stage, South Africa drew with Tunisia, effectively controlling the match and not giving the opponent significant opportunities, while creating several threats with long-distance shots. In the first match against Mali, the team lost 0:2. Percy Tau failed to convert a penalty, and within a short span in the second half, South Africa let in two goals, not utilising their chances in the attack. However, in the second round, South Africa showed a more confident play, thrashing Namibia 4:0. Percy Tau stood out by successfully executing a penalty, while Zwane scored twice.

Before the African Nations Cup, South Africa achieved a significant win over Morocco in the qualification, which partially compensated for the loss against Rwanda in the World Cup qualifier and a recent draw with Lesotho. The team missed known strikers Lyle Foster and Lebo Mothiba due to injury.

The leading role in South Africa's attack is assigned to Percy Tau from Egypt's Al Ahly and Mihlali Mayambela from Cyprus' Aris, although the latter hasn't yet played a considerable amount of time in the tournament. Most players represent the local championship, which might make the South African team less star-studded, but it doesn't lessen their motivation to achieve success in the African Cup of Nations.

Head-to-head

The last match between these teams took place on 17 June 2023 during the African Cup of Nations, where South Africa won with a 2:1 scoreline. In the previous encounter on 9 June 2022 at the African Cup of Nations, Morocco beat South Africa 2:1. Another match occurred on 1 July 2019, where Morocco also won 1:0 over South Africa.

Match forecast: Morocco - South Africa

The Moroccans, with their superstar composition, are the clear tournament favourites; they should easily handle the South Africans. There have been many surprises in this tournament already, and it's high time for Morocco to live up to their reputation as Africa's best team. Especially since they showed excellent performance in the group stage, even though they missed many opportunities. South Africa is weaker in all lines compared to them.