Bafana Bafana ended their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Morocco on Saturday evening.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
Result: South Africa 2-1 Morocco
Date: 17 June 2023
Venue: FNB Stadium
Bafana coach Hugo Broos made just two changes from their previous victory over Liberia in March, as Bathusi Aubaas got his debut in the line-up alongside the return of Themba Zwane.
The hosts had a perfect start after going ahead within five minutes following an error by goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, who spilled Percy Tau's cross into his own net.
Morocco looked to respond in the early stages as Youssef Maleh tested Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a low drive that was smothered by the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper.
Bafana were lively on transitions and Zwane had a good chance to double their lead on 24 minutes after receiving a cross unmarked in the box but he scuffed his left-footed shot wide.
Morocco committed numbers going forward in the closing phase of the first stanza and should have been punished just before the half-time break after Zakhele Lepasa went through on goal but he fired a low shot straight at Mohamedi.
Broos' charges enjoyed another dream start in the second stanza as Lepasa redeemed himself three minutes in with a tap in after Mohamedi blocked a close-range shot by Mihlali Mayambela on his path.
The Atlas Lions raised their game and Hakim Ziyech eventually pulled a goal back on the hour-mark with a curling shot past Williams after cutting in at the near post.
Broos did not tamper with his shape, as he only made his first change 13 minutes before time, bringing on Bongokuhle Hlongwane in place Lepasa for fresh legs.
The visitors sent numbers forward in the closing stages and they were caught short after a mistake at the back led to Teboho Mokoena going clear on goal but he curled his shot over the crossbar, one-on-one with Mohamedi.
Bafana kept their discipline in the dying minutes but had Williams to thank in stoppage time by pulling off a final save to deny Abdelhamid Sabiri, as Broos' men moved top of Group K, although Morocco have one game remaining.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Williams, Morena, Xulu, Mvala, Maela, Mokoena, Aubaas, Zwane, Mayambela, Tau, Lepasa
Subs: Goss, Mothwa, Mobbie, Hlongwane, Saleng, Mailula, Blom, Le Roux, KekanaMorocco: El Kajoui, Hakimi, Mazraoui, Aguerd, Saiss, Maleh, Louza, Ziyech, Aboukhlal, El Idrissi, En-Nesyri
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