In a nail-biting last-16 match, South Africa stunned the World Cup semi-finalists thanks to goals from Achraf Hakimi of PSG and Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United.

South Africa advanced to the AFCON quarterfinals at Morocco’s cost, thanks to a penalty miss by Achraf Hakimi and a red card for Sofyan Amrabat.

In the first half, there were not many incidents. Noussair Mazraoui had a great drive from outside the box, but it was ruled out for offside. In the second half, Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi volleyed a 12-yard effort just over the bar, giving the game a spark. The unexpecteԀ happened in the 57th minute when Evidence Makgopa scored a goal for South Africa by evading the offside trap and slotting the ball under goalkeeper Bono.

Top picks for the tournament Twelveth in FIFA’s global rankings, Morocco appeared to have been given a lifeline when Ayoub El Kaabi’s long-range drive struck Mothobi Mvala’s arm; however, five minutes before the end of the match, Hakimi’s penalty struck the crossbar and went over. An already bad situation was made even worse in the 91st minute when Amrabat was sent off for a clear foul on Mokoena. Then, in second-half stoppage time, South Africa, who are 56 positions lower than their opponents, scored a breathtaking free-kιck from 25 yards out by Teboho Mokoena, making it 2-0 and securing a legendary victory.

While Makgopa scored the first goal and South Africa’s defense played a magnificent game, it was Teboho Mokoena who was instrumental in sending Amrabat off with his driving run and pace, and he added the cherry on top with a beautiful free-kιck.

Hakimi, a star for Paris Saint-Germain, squandered a golden chance to tie the game, but Amrabat, on loan from Manchester United, was sent off for a careless challenge in stoppage time. His side lost a chance to get back into the game because of his bad penalty.

After their triumph, South Africa will face Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro on February 3 in the quarterfinals. Cape Verde defeated Mauritania 1-0 in the round of 16. In the round of sixteen, the victor will meet one of Angola and Nigeria.