The Moroccan national team is experiencing sad times following their shocking elimination from the AFCON. The "Atlas Lions" fell to South Africa in the round of 16, a match in which they were considered heavy favorites. However, being the favorite in football does not guarantee victory, and Morocco knows this all too well.

In fact, the North African team defied all expectations in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. They topped their group after drawing against Croatia (the then reigning World Cup runners-up) and defeating Belgium (the second-best team in the FIFA rankings at the time) and Canada (the CONCACAF qualifying champion).

The "Atlas Lions" achieved the best performance by an African team in a World Cup, becoming the first CAF team to reach the semifinals of a World Cup. Along the way, they defeated Spain, led by Luis Enrique, in the round of 16, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarterfinals.

France ended Morocco's dream of reaching their first World Cup final, but the feat achieved by the "Atlas Lions" will go down in history books as a giant killer.

FALLEN GIANT IN THE AFCON

However, Morocco entered the 2023 AFCON with a completely different role from their World Cup journey. Now, they were the clear favorites, the best African team in the FIFA rankings. Most predictions pointed to them as the main contender to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title and end a wait that has lasted since 1976.

Nevertheless, the Moroccan giant fell in the round of 16 of the AFCON to a South Africa that played a smart game and also benefited from some luck. The "Atlas Lions" once again defied all expectations.