IT will be the 10th match between the two nations since the first encounter in 1998. Bafana coach, Hugo Broos has a 50% win percentage from 26 matches in charge. Walid Regragui has a 57.14% average after 21 matches at the Moroccan helm.

Bafana Bafana are gearing up to meet Morocco in a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash scheduled for Tuesday at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.

Kick-off is at 22:00 (SA time).

The upcoming encounter between Bafana and the Atlas Lions will mark their 10th overall meeting and their sixth clash in the continental showpiece.

In a football tale woven with passion and drama, Bafana first crossed paths with Morocco in the enchanting setting of Afcon's quarter-final in Burkina Faso back in February 1998.

A young Benni McCarthy ignited the scoreboard with a brilliant strike 21 minutes into the contest, answered by a spirited response from Saud Chiba for the North Africans just 14 minutes later.

Bafana Bafana v Morocco: Head to head

22 Feb 1998: South Africa 2-1 Morocco - Afcon quarter-final

30 Jan 2002: Morocco 1-3 South Africa - Afcon Group B

19 Sep 2002: Morocco 0-0 South Africa - International Friendly

04 Feb 2004: Morocco 1-1 South Africa - Afcon Group D

27 Jan 2013: Morocco 2-2 South Africa - Afcon Group A

11 Oct 2013: Morocco 1-1 South Africa - International Friendly

01 Jul 2019: South Africa 0-1 Morocco - Afcon Group D

09 Jun 2022: Morocco 2-1 South Africa - Afcon qualifier

17 Jun 2023 South Africa 2-1 Morocco - Afcon qualifier

Yet, it was David Nyathi who etched South Africa's name in victory, delivering a decisive goal. 

Four years later, the two nations would meet again in Mali at the 2002 edition. 

Sibusiso Zuma seized the spotlight by opening the scoring just three minutes before half-time. In the second act, Thabi Mngomeni and Siyabonga Nomvethe added their chapters to the narrative with second-half goals.

Despite Morocco's late attempt at a comeback, through Rachid Benmahmoud's 77th-minute penalty, Bafana held their ground, securing a resolute 3-1 victory. 

Matches: Nine

Bafana Bafana: 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats

Morocco: 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats

Goals scored: Bafana (GF: 12, GA:10), Morocco (GF: 10, GA:9)

Over the course of the next 21 years, spanning seven encounters, Morocco would assert their dominance, a testament to their prowess on the field.

One notable instance includes the group stage defeat suffered by Stuart Baxter's charges in the 2019 clash held in Egypt.

In the final Afcon qualifier last year at FNB Stadium, Bafana secured a stunning 2-1 victory against Morocco.

This result, despite having no implications on qualification as both nations had already booked their places at this year's tournament, showcased South Africa's potential to cause an upset.

Walid Regragui: Morocco record

Matches: 21 (W12, D6, L3)

Goals scored: 33

Goals conceded: 11

Win percentage: 57.14%

But Bafana will come up against Morocco who are a tough nut to crack under Walid Regragui.

The 48-year-old boasts a 57.14% win percentage, with 12 victories, six draws, and three losses in 21 matches.

His last defeat occurred at the hands of his counterpart on Tuesday evening, Hugo Broos, as they are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak.