The Atlas Lions arrived, Thursday, in South Africa ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 qualifying match against Bafana Bafana, reported South African news channel “SABC News.”
South Africa will face Morocco in the AFCON qualifying match at FNB Stadium on June 17, 2023.
Morocco finished fourth at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Both the Atlas Lions and Bafana Bafana have already qualified for next year’s AFCON Championships.
“Morocco has a very good team, we were almost in the final of the World Cup, and we came here to share our experience. We have good players and what is important is the future of Africa, the young generation of Africa, and how we can work together in order build a strong Africa,” said Moroccan Ambassador to South Africa Youssef Amrani.
Many Moroccan players who captured the highlights of the 2022 Qatar World Cup have been selected for this match against Bafana Bafana, including Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Yassine Bounou, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
“You must know a lot of people watch these games. It’s interesting to see Morocco, but also to see what the guys of Bafana can do. And that must be enough to motivate the players to play in this game,” said South Africa coach Hugo Broos.
South Africa and Morocco have met on eight previous occasions. The Atlas Lions have claimed three wins compared to two for Bafana Bafana, while three games ended in a draw.
Morocco and Cape Verde battled to a 0-0 draw in a friendly football match on June 12 at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.