Hakim Ziyech scored a goal in the first half to lead Morocco to a 1-0 victory over Zambia and topped Group F in the African Cup of Nations, while the Democratic Republic of Congo tied 0-0 with Tanzania to also reach the final 16.
Morocco raised its score to 7 points at the top of the group, four points behind the Democratic Republic of Congo, second in the standings, while Zambia’s score froze at two points in third place, leaving the tournament with Tanzania, bottom of the standings with the same score of points.
Ziyech opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a cross pass from Achraf Hakimi, which goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga missed and reached the Galatasaray player, who shot powerfully into the net from close range.
Ayoub Al Kaabi almost doubled the score one minute later with a powerful header that was narrowly saved by the goalkeeper.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yacine Bounou preserved the three points for his country by blocking a powerful shot from Emmanuel Banda four minutes before the end.
Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, sat in the stands during the match after being suspended for four matches, including two suspended matches, and his assistant, Rachid Ben Mahmoud, took over the leadership of the team.
The Moroccan team will play in the round of 16 with South Africa, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo will play with Egypt.
Morocco’s victory contributed to the qualification of host Ivory Coast, which will meet Senegal in the 16th final.
⚽️🔥 Hakim Ziyech opens the scoring for the Atlas Lions#Africa_Cup of Nations | #Zambia_Morocco#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/0Yc1qp4iyY
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 24, 2024
