Morocco beat Zambia 1-0 in a recreation that additionally resulted in a spot within the play offs for Ivory Coast [Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images]
Hakim Ziyech scored within the first half as Morocco beat Zambia 1-0 on Wednesday on the Africa Cup of Nations finals to complete high in Group F and in addition maintain hosts Ivory Coast within the match.
Morocco’s stand-in captain left the pitch with an ankle damage at halftime however not earlier than a wise close-range end within the thirty eighth minute lifted Morocco to seven factors, forward of second positioned Democratic Republic of Congo, who drew 0-0 with Tanzania.
Zambia completed third within the group on two factors, which was not sufficient to take one of many 4 locations within the last-16 reserved for one of the best third-placed finishers.
As an alternative the Ivory Coast sneaked in, sparking celebrations within the Laurent Pokou Stadium from locals who had come to help Morocco figuring out that if Zambia misplaced, their crew would qualify.
Their reward, nonetheless, is a gathering within the last-16 on Monday with holders Senegal, who have been the one aspect to win all their group video games. The Ivorians can have a brand new coach in Emerse Fae who takes over from Jean-Louis Gasset, who was fired on Wednesday.
Morocco’s victory was deserved regardless of them altering a lot of their lineup, resting key gamers, and being with out coach Walid Regragui, who was banished to the stands after the Confederation of African Soccer suspended him hours earlier than kickoff.
He obtained a four-match ban, two of which have been suspended, after being concerned in an on-field spat with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba on the finish of their match in San Pedro on Sunday, which then led to scuffles between opposing gamers and workers on the pitch and alleged preventing within the tunnel on the stadium.
Zambia’s key striker Patson Daka had an early likelihood however failed to regulate a intelligent ball excessive of the Morocco defence earlier than the World Cup semi-finalists took over and dominated proceedings.
There have been possibilities for Ismael Saibari and Nayef Aguerd earlier than Ziyech reacted quickest and hit residence a rebound after a build-up involving Saibari and Achraf Hakimi.
Ayoub El Kaabi had a robust effort saved two minutes after Ziyech’s objective and Saibari was denied from a great alternative two minutes into the second half.
Zambia’s greatest alternative for the draw they wanted to advance got here when Lameck Banda snapped an effort narrowly broad within the 59th minute.
Morocco now meet South Africa in San Pedro within the last-16 subsequent Tuesday whereas DR Congo are up towards Egypt on Sunday.
(Reuters)
Supply Hyperlink : atyvip24.com
