SOUTH Africa will face Morocco in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D match at the Al Salam Stadium in Egypt today.
Bafana Bafana boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stages when they recorded a 1-0 victory over their Southern African rivals Namibia last Friday.
Despite the victory, South Africa remained third on the group standings with three points and a win over Morocco will see Bafana advance to the Round of 16.
South Africa head coach Stuart Baxter has revealed that the 1996 Afcon champions will have to apply a suitable tactic against an in-form Morocco side.
“Both teams had their chances and it was a competitive match (against Namibia). We tried to make chances and make use of that,” Baxter said.
“I salute Namibia on their performance. Against Morocco it’s going to be tough but we will apply the suitable tactic.”
Amiens SC midfielder Bongani Zungu netted Bafana’s first goal at 2019 Afcon finals against Namibia and he will be keen to inspire his nation to victory over the Atlas Lions.
Meanwhile, Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 when they recorded their second successive Group D victory when they defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 last Friday.
The win took the Atlas Lions to the top of the group standings with six points and they will be keen to overcome Bafana in order to finish at the top of Group D.
Morocco head coach Herve Renard has made it clear that they are planning to advance to the knockout phase as group winners as he targets his third AFCON title.
“We will start preparing for the next game because South Africa is a very good team and we have to study them well,” Renard said.
“Our aim is to win the group. I cannot predict what’s coming next, but we hope to go as far as possible.”
CD Leganes striker Youssef En-Nesyri opened his scoring account at the tournament against Ivory Coast and he will be hoping to help the 1976 AFCON champions beat Bafana.
In Head-to-Head stats, South Africa and Morocco have clashed five times with Bafana winning two games, while three matches ended in a draw. – Backpage TXT
