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The Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Round of 16 presented an incredible highlight as South Africa took powerhouse Morocco with two stunning goals. But capping off this victory was South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who brought out Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic celebration after scoring a 90th-minute freekick to make the score 2-0.
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South Africa were underdogs in this fixture and fought through the first half against the highest-ranked African team at the Stade de San Pédro in Bolivia, Ivory Coast. Then in the 57th minute, the Rainbow Nation broke the dead-lock to take a 1-0 lead thanks to Evidence Makgopa's finish.
Mokoena performs Ronaldo’s ‘sleeping’ celebration
With South Africa fighting to hold to one the lead, Morocco received a penalty to level the scores in the 85th minute. Paris Saint Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi stepped up but squandered this golden opportunity before Man United midfielder Sofayn Ambrabat was sent off in the 90th minute. Here as Bafana Bafana received a free kick, T eboho Mokoena curled the ball to seal another upset. Celebrating this historic goal, Mokoena performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘sleeping’ celebration, with the rest of his teammates joining in.
I failed. So there you have it: Walid Regragui on Morocco's RO16 exit
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment after the defeat and shared that the Atlas Lions should have made the semifinal at least. Speaking in the post-match presser, Regragui said, " We're very disappointed because we came with the ambition of winning it."
"Going out so early in the tournament wasn't expected, but this cup is really difficult. Lots of surprises. I said that Morocco was due in the semifinal whatever happened, so we will have a good discussion. In any case, I never hide from taking responsibility, mine at least. I failed. So there you have it," Regragui added.
