Hakimi misses the penalty, Bafna Bafna’s aggression… top and flop

Tops

Makgopa as evidence

Like most attackers on the field, the South African number 9 was discreet throughout most of the match. But he stepped up at the right time when his team needed him. On the hour mark and as the Atlas Lions regained momentum, evidence Makgopa was found between the lines of the opposition defence. The striker swallowed up the space Saiss had left him, and took the ball in front of Bono before beating him. It was the only chance the scorer had but it was enough to put Bafana Bafana on course for qualification. That’s all we ask of the attacker.

Springboks or Bafana Bafana?

Be it rugby or football, South Africa remains South Africa. The Hugo Bros players knew that they would have to impose a considerable physical challenge on their opponent and they did so brilliantly. Very aggressive, the ‘Sud-Afs’ did not pretend to engage in a duel, as evidenced by the yellow cards received by defenders Modiba and Kekana. Facing a team that likes to touch the ball, and a little too much, they showed personality and courage to make life difficult for their opponents, such as Teboho Mokoena, scorer and man of the match. Springboks/Bafana Bafana ate Atlas Lion.

flops

Hakimi, pause

Achraf Hakimi, often faultless in key moments of Moroccan selection, was, this time, completely missed. The Parisian was sure of himself when taking a penalty for Hope 5 minutes from time. But obviously, the pressure was too strong and the full-back was hitting the air too hard. Williams was beaten but the ball hit the crossbar. Hakimi was exemplary throughout the competition, but football is cruel. This crucial miss against South Africa will loom over his CAN for years.

Amin Adli could have done better

Placed on the right side of attack in Ziyech’s absence, the Bayer Leverkusen player alternated between good and bad. Despite his flashes of brilliance on the lane, the young winger lacked a cutting edge when it came to making a difference. Like this beautiful solo minutes before half-time, which was off target due to a lack of clarity. Overall, he knew how to be dangerous but was not justified enough in the last gesture. which changes it to the hour mark.