The group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ended on Wednesday with the third round of matches in Groups E and F.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco did host the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire a huge favour by beating the Chipolopolo of Zambia 1-0 with Hakim Ziyech scoring the only goal of the game in the 37th minute.
The result ensured Morocco won Group F with 7 points from 3 games, knocking out Zambia who finished with 2 points and sending Cote d’Ivoire who finished third in Group A into the last 16 as the fourth best loser.
Zambia needed a point in their game with Morocco to deny the hosts the fourth and final qualification spot for the group stage’s best third-placed teams.
The other Group F game between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania ended goalless ensuring the Congolese finished second with 3 points.
Earlier in Group E, Namibia played out a goalless draw with Mali to qualify for the Round of 16 in third place with 4 points while Mali won the group with 5 points.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia also ended their game goalless.
South Africa finished second behind Mali with 4 points while Tunisia who had only 2 points were eliminated.
With the conclusion of the group stage, all is now set for the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on eternal rivals the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon while the Palancas Negras of Angola face the brave Warriors of Namibia on Saturday.
The Pharaohs of Egypt are up against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday as Guinea line up against Equatorial Guinea.
On Monday, Cape Verde will battle Mauritania while Cote d’Ivoire, who sacked Coach Jean-Louis Gasset on Wednesday, play defending champions Senegal.
Morocco will confront South Africa while Mali squares up against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.