A solitary goal from Hakim Ziyech sent Zambia packing, while Morocco finished ahead of DR Congo after their goalless draw with Tanzania. It also meant hosts Ivory Coast sneaked into Last 16.
Zambia started the game knowing very well a loss is something they can’t afford. Meanwhile Morocco had the aim of topping the group.
Both DR Congo and Tanzania knew the safest thing to book their spot in the knockout stages was to get three points.
After 10 minutes between Chipolopolo and Morocco, the match started with high intensity, as both teams were looking to get an early goal but no clear chance created.
The first short on target came after 30 minutes when Lameck Banda took a shot just outside the 18 area but it went straight to Youssef Bono.
In the 35th minute Morocco won a free-kick after Azzadine Ounahi was fouled, and Hakim Ziyech came up with a good delivery but Nayef Aguerd headed wide.
After 38th minute, the pressure finally brought the goal for the Atlas Lions, as Achraf Hakimi played a lovey cross which the keeper saved but Ziyech was there for the rebound and he made no mistake – 1-0.
Morocco nearly made it 2-0 on the 39th minute after El Kaabi headed the ball very well but Zambian goalkeeper Tresford Mulenga produced a good save.
Morocco went into the break with a 1-0, while it was goalless on the other match between DR Congo and Tanzania.
Morocco started the second half where they left of and continued to pile pressure on Zambia with hope of getting the second goal.
But Zambia started to create chances for themselves, with Lameck Banda nearly levelling matters in 58th minute but his short went wide.
The tempo of the game started to drop, as the heat was also playing a major role. Zambia tried to push but were just huffing and puffing.
Chipolopolo started to get desperate, Lubumbo Musonda took a shot in the 78th minute but it was way over the crossbar.
In the end, it wasn’t enough for Zambia who finished third in the group on just two points. Meanwhile DRC qualified as second after playing to a goalless draw with Tanzania.
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