In a major upset, South Africa secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 by defeating Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16.

The first half saw limited goalscoring opportunities, with Morocco having a goal disallowed by VAR.

The second half, however, brought both drama and goals. South Africa took the lead in the 57th minute when Evidence Makgopa connected with a pass inside the 18-yard box, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

Morocco, determined to equalize, introduced more forwards.

In the 83rd minute, Morocco was awarded a penalty after a handball by Teboho Mokoena in the South African 18-yard box.

Achraf Hakimi stepped up to take the penalty but hit the ball against the crossbar, missing the chance to equalize.

Facing numerical disadvantage after Sofyan Amrabat received a red card, South Africa capitalized and sealed the victory with a second goal.

Teboho Mokoena scored a stunning free kick to secure the 2-0 win.

South Africa will face Cape Verde in the quarterfinals on Saturday, February 3, at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.