Group F has handed out the last tickets for the 8th finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Group leaders Morocco enabled Côte d'Ivoire to miraculously qualify among the best 3rd-placed teams. DR Congo validates its ticket for the second round.
Morocco secure top spot
Favourites to win the competition, Morocco lived up to their billing in Group F.Leading the standings with 7 points, the Atlas Lions have completed the first stage of the group phase. This success was built on a masterful display against a Zambian team fearful of the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists. In the 37th minute, Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring when the ball came back to him after a cross from Achraf Hakimi. Sofyan Amrabat's team-mates were in good spirits ahead of the Round of 8.Opposite them, Zambia (3rd, 2 pts) were not bold enough to ignite the match and attempt to put Morocco's future in doubt.
Of course, your #GoalOfTheDay is scored by Hakim Ziyech. 🇲🇦✨@1xBet_Eng | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/g7YL3WIKQZ
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 25, 2024
The approach to the first half was misunderstood. Lacking initiative and sluggish, the Chipolopolos were not up to the task. In the second half, a revolt was sparked off, but the Atlas Lions' collective solidity in front of Yassine Bounou was enough to put an end to this match and put an end to Zambia's campaign, which was eliminated in the first round. One man's misfortune is another man's gain. In any case, Côte d'Ivoire is drunk with happiness. Morocco's victory means that the Elephants are one of the best third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ineffective DRC go through anyway
Dominant throughout the match, DR Congo didn't play for keeps on this final day of the group phase.At the risk of seeing Zambia catch Morocco and sink to 3rd place, the Leopards decided to go in search of victory. Yoane Wissa's team-mates hit Aishi Manula's goal 9 times, but failed to capitalize.In the end, DR Congo had to make do with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania (4th, 2 pts) to qualify in 2nd place in Group F.
