South Africa’s vanquishing of Morocco in the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday night means that none of Africa’s five top ranked teams will be playing in the quarterfinals.
Morocco joined a list of fallen giants that also includes Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt in bowing out of the tournament – meaning that it is now wide open for any of the remaining nations to go all the way.
Second half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena were enough to see Hugo Broos’ side past the Atlas Lions, who missed a penalty that could have changed the complexion of the game completely.
Speaking after the game Morocco coach Walid Regragui told of his disappointment. Speaking to the media he said: “We are very disappointed because we came here with the ambition of winning.
“Going out so early was not in our plans but this competition is very difficult.
“I take responsibility for everything that has happened. I never hide. Today I have failed,”
FIFA rankings of AFCON quarterfinalists
Nigeria 31
Mali 46
Ivory Coast 52
South Africa: 68
Cape Verde: 72
DRC 73
Guinea 83
Angola 122
