South Africa vs Morocco Prediction: World-Cup hero side Morocco will continue their unbeaten run

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa will host the Atlas Lions at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. With two games left to wrap up the group phase for South Africa, a victory here would guarantee them a place in the forthcoming AFCON Tournament. On the other hand, Morocco will strive to continue their 100% record in the round.

FIFA Ranking: 66th

Last three games: LDW

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa began this round with a slim (2-1) loss against Morocco. South Africa struck first in Casablanca, but the home side responded twice to obtain all the points. The encounter was followed by a disappointing (2-2) tie against a lowly-ranked Liberia. More recently, they secured their first three points when they defeated Liberia in the return match. South Africa remained second on the spot, picking up four points from a possible nine. The Bafana Bafana have not had a great start to this qualifier, but one thing striking about them is that they’ve scored in all their games.

Hugo Broos' men have invited an experienced side for this engagement, and we can see them pulling strings here.

FIFA Ranking: 11th

Last two games: WW

The best-ranked team in Africa have had a smooth start to this tournament with back-to-back wins. After coming from a goal down to beat South Africa, they snatched all the points in Liberia when En Nesyri and Faycal Fajr found the back of the net. Morocco sit at the apex of the table despite playing a game less than South Africa in the second spot. In their last three games, Morocco have won once and drawn twice. The Atlas Lions continued from where they stopped in the World Cup as they took maximum points against the highest-ranked national team in the world. Morocco took the lead just before the break from Sofine Boufal after some defensive lapses from the South American side. Brazil pulled one back minutes into the second half when Casemiro’s long-range shot found the back of the net. The victory was their first against Brazil as they became the second African side to triumph in an international match against the South American side. Since then, Morocco have drawn two consecutive games in a row against Peru and Cape Verde. Morocco are by far the best team in Africa, and their ability to transition from defence to attack will give them the edge here.

Over their last four meetings, the Atlas Lions have won twice, while two games have ended in a share of the spoils. The first leg ended in a (2-1) victory for Morocco, overturning South Africa’s early lead. Morocco were all over the visitors, creating more chances, and had twenty-nine shots. Morocco head into this encounter after a friendly game against Cape Verde few days ago; the Atlas Lions were below par and had to settle for a stalemate. Morocco were unlucky and looked depleted, as three of their players had just returned from the UEFA Conference League final. South Africa's team is dominated mainly by homegrown players. However, with the likes of Percy Tau and Lyle Foster in the squad, South Africa can’t be totally shut out. Morocco have the best-attacking synergies in the continent and are our favourite pick here. Morocco will win either half here for 1.78.

There are a wide range of qualities in this encounter, and we expect both sides to get a goal apiece here for 2.20.

Morocco will attack the home side from the start to the end, and we don’t think the Bafana Bafana team have enough arsenal to stop them; bet on Morocco to win for 2.10.

Good luck!