Morocco Star Reveals How Bafana Defeat Motivated Them

Ismael Saibari reveals how Bafana defeat motivated Morocco at Afcon 2025.

Morocco star Ismael Saibari has revealed how the previous heartbreak against Bafana Bafana acted as a powerful source of motivation for the Atlas Lions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa were responsible for ending Morocco’s AFCON journey at the previous edition of the tournament, hosted in Ivory Coast in 2023, when Bafana secured a famous 2-0 Round of 16 victory. 

Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena sent the Atlas Lions crashing out earlier than expected, in what proved to be one of the tournament’s upsets.

Fast forward to AFCON 2025, and the roles have shifted. While Bafana once again reached the knockout stages, their campaign was cut short at the Round of 16. 

Morocco, on the other hand, have successfully negotiated their way into the quarter-finals and now face a tough test against Cameroon as they look to move a step closer to continental glory.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Saibari opened up on how that painful defeat to South Africa has lingered within the Moroccan camp and helped shape their mindset heading into this year’s competition.

“The training is going well, we are together and the harmony within the group is great. We laugh together but we know very well why we are here, and that is the most important thing,” the 24-year-old told the media following the team’s final training session per Elbotola.

“We have been preparing for this moment for two years, specifically since our elimination against South Africa, and now it is time to show the fruits of the work we have done, and prove that we are ready,” he added.

Looking ahead to the quarter-final showdown, the Morocco star expects a fierce battle against a Cameroon side equally determined to progress.

“It will be an intense match, as we are talking about the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Cameroonian team is a good team and they also have the desire to win, so it will be a beautiful match,” Saibari concluded.

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