South Africa head coach Hugo Henri Broos has heaped praise on his players’ impressive progress in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after handing Morocco a shock elimination from the quarterfinals.

Bafana Bafana had a poor start to the competition, losing 2-0 to Mali in their group stage opener, but they grew into the tournament ever since.

The veteran Belgian gaffer stressed that his team has improved steadily in the tournament and it was evident when they saw off pre-tournament favorites Morocco with stunning 2-0 victory in the round of 16 at San Pedro Stadium on Tuesday, January 30, to book their spot in the quarterfinals.

ALSO READ: AFCON 2023: Five top players who will not be in Cote D'Ivoire

"I think I said maybe in the beginning of the AFCON that it’s very important that you grow in the tournament,” Broos told the press in a post-match interview.

"And I think South Africa grew in the tournament. We played against Mali, and we lost, but then, we were much better against Namibia and had a difficult game against Tunisia.

"Today we won against Morocco, so we become better and better every day. And this is very important.”

The 1996 AFCON champions will face a well-drilled Cape Verde side in the quarter-final on Saturday, February 3, at 10:00 pm at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.