Introduction
Tournament’s favorite, Morocco will log heads with South Africa on Tuesday night at Laurent Pokou Stadium. Morocco, living up to their billing as favorites in the AFCON, won 1-0 against Zambia in the group finale. This triumph ensured their advancement to the last 16 as Group E leader.
South Africa also reached this round as runner up from group E with four points, ahead of Namibia and Tunisia.
About the game
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have roared through the tournament with the grace and power befitting their status as a contender. A clinical 1-0 victory against Zambia in the group finale cemented their dominance in Group E and showcased their efficiency and defensive steel. Hakim Ziyech’s late goal was a mere footnote in a performance that reaffirmed Morocco’s quality as the team to beat.
They parade established football stars in Achraf Hakimi. The PSG full-back’s marauding runs and pinpoint crosses terrorize defenses and might be too much for the Bafana Bafana to handle. They also possess individual brilliance in Ziyech, En-Nesyri, and West ham’s Nayef Aguerd who are all accustomed to big stages.
The South Africans enter this match not as underdogs, but as a team reborn. Having scraped through as AFCON Group E runners-up with four points, Bafana Bafana displayed newfound resilience and grit. Their 4-0 hammering of Namibia in their second group game showcased their attacking prowess, while the goalless draw against Tunisia highlighted their defensive pragmatism. This is a team with something to prove, a team playing with the freedom of underdogs and the hunger of contenders.
The Best Betting Odds for Morocco vs South Africa
| Markets | Odds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco win |
1.60 
|
1.60 
|
1.58 
|
1.585 
|
1.591 
|
|
| Draw |
3.65
|
3.65
|
3.60
|
3.74
|
3.75
|
|
| South Africa win |
6.70
|
6.70
|
6.00
|
6.40
|
6.45
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.43
|
1.47
|
1.45
|
1.43
|
1.43
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.43
|
1.47
|
1.45
|
1.43
|
1.43
|
|
| Over 1.5 |
1.43
|
1.47
|
1.45
|
1.43
|
1.43
|
|
Conclusion
Morocco, with their experience and pedigree, are undeniably the favorites. However, South Africa’s newfound belief and attacking verve cannot be underestimated. We expect an entertaining affair with few clear chances until a moment of brilliance decides the outcome.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.