African News

Take a look at our player breakdown of South Africa and Morocco during their Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash.

------------------------------------------------------------

Predict result and win big with Soccer6

------------------------------------------------------------

Nadir Lamyaghri: Made some decent saves on the night and was quick with his distribution, but could do nothing about either Bafana goals, which both found the same top corner of the net. 6/10

Abderrahim Achchakir: Played a solid game in defence and was handy when pressing forward, but struggled to deal with some of the more physical challenges. 5/10

Ahmed Kantari: Proved decent in the air and on the ground, but didn't cope too well with the runs of the South African forwards, who showed too much strength and pace. 5/10

Abdelhamid El Kaoutari: Commanded the back-line for Morocco but also struggled with Bafana's physical presence in the final third. 5/10

Issam El Adoua: Made some decent runs in midfield and provided space to pass, and was also dangerous with his deliveries into the area while also scored Morocco's first with his head. 7/10

Mehdi Benatia: Had a quiet came for the Lions as he struggled to make his mark in the middle of the park. 5/10

Abdelaziz Barrada: Another excellent performance from the midfielder, who created a number of chances, while he felt he should have had a penalty after apparently being brought down inside the area, only for the referee to wave play-on. 7/10

Kamel Chafni: Produced a really positive display in midfield and was involved in most of Morocco's attacks, but was wasteful in front of goal and was able to truly test the goalkeeper. 6/10

Youseff Kaddioui: Was unable to really get into the game after being crowded out in midfield, resulting in his coming off shortly after the restart. 5/10

Youssef El-Arabi: Produced another determined display up front and was only denied a goal by some sublime goalkeeping from South Africa's Itumeleng Khune. 7/10

Chahir Belhazouani: Created himself some good chances but was unable to make the keeper work following some wayward finishing, while he was taken off midway through the second period. 6/10

Substitutions:

Zakarya Bergdich: Did a solid job after coming on as a substitute but was unable to get any real foothold in the game or make any telling impact off the bench. 5/10

Mounir El Hamdaoui: Came on as a late sub and brought with him an intense work-rate, but couldn't quite make it work to his side's benefit. 6/10

Abdelilah Hafidi: Made an instant impact after coming on in the second-half, picking up a yellow card just moments after his introduction, while he also managed to net Morocco's second. 7/10

South Africa:

Itumeleng Khune: Undoubtedly Bafana's Man of the Match, with the goalkeeper pulling off three incredible one-on-one saves to keep his side in the game, while also producing some trademark distribution from his box. 9/10

Anele Ngcongca: Looked strong in defence and was able to match the Moroccans for pace, while also provided a good outlet when in attack. 6/10

Tsepo Masilela: Made some nervous mistakes and almost cost his side an early penalty, but was lucky to be let off the hook after the referee waved play-on.

Bongani Khumalo: Had a solid game at the back and looked strong in the air, although wasn't able to maintain his focus for the full 90 after twice seeing the opposition score. 6/10

Siyabonga Sangweni: Had another inspired performance for Bafana, and netted their first goal with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the area. 7/10

Dean Furman: Had one of his quieter performances for Bafana but was still able to make an impact in the midfield with some composed passing and hold-up play. 6/10

May Mahlangu: Dominated in the midfield with his strength and height and scored South Africa's first with a sumptuous curling effort from outside the box. 8/10

Thuso Phala: Produced a sublime performance and hassled the Morocco defence right from the off, threatening with some bulldozing runs, while came very close with two free-kicks, forcing the opposition goalkeeper into top-drawer saves. 8/10

Bernard Parker: Had a decent outing for Bafana and probably should have won his side an early penalty after seemingly being brought down in the area, although was unlucky to see the referee wave away the appeals. 6/10

Katlego Mphela: Wasn't able to make a huge impact on the game and was limited to playing outside of the area, while was also unable to get in a proper shot on goal. 5/10

Tokelo Rantie: Proved a real handful in the opening stages of the game, but seemed to peter out of attack as the half wore on, although did play the one-two with Mahlangu to set-up Bafana's first. 6/10

Substitutions:

Thulani Serero: Was unable to make the impact he would have wanted after coming on early in the second-half, with the Moroccan midfield able to keep the Ajax winger largely quiet. 5/10

Reneilwe Letsholonyane: Did well to marshal the ball after coming on as a substitute to give Bafana more composure in the middle of the park.

Kagisho Dikgacoi: Was only introduced in the dying moments of the game as a time-wasting tactic by Gordon Igesund, but did well to sure up the midfield for the final five or so minutes.