Morocco defeated Zambia 1-0 in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, allowing hosts Ivory Coast to advance to the round of 16.
The Ivorians, defeated 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea on Monday, were among the four highest-ranked third-place teams to qualify.
Group winners Morocco will face South Africa in the round of 16, while runner-up Democratic Republic of Congo, which drew 0-0 with Tanzania, will play Egypt.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui watched the game from the stands after being suspended for two games on Sunday following a post-match altercation with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba.
Did you read this?
Regragui entered the pitch after the 1-1 draw and appeared to have a heated conversation with Mbemba, attempting to shake hands. Several people then separated the two men.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation stated it would appeal the suspension, calling it an "incomprehensible decision (as) Regragui did not... contravene the spirit of fair play. "
Morocco was playing their 73rd match and Zambia their 70th in the flagship African competition, but this was only the third meeting between the two, with the Atlas Lions winning and drawing the first two.
The shock 2022 World Cup semi-finalists rested captain and defender Romain Saiss, while forward Youssef En-Nesyri started on the bench.
With Zambia captain Roderick Kabwe suspended, Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) were led by recalled Lubambo Musonda, with regular starters Fashion Sakala and Kings Kangwa as substitutes.
Morocco went into the final round group match already assured of a spot in the last 16, while Zambia needed to draw at least to advance at the expense of Ivory Coast.
As expected, the top-ranked Moroccan team in Africa quickly took control of territory and possession in the southwestern coastal city.
Zambia survived several scares before falling behind after 38 minutes in a stadium named after the late Ivorian football legend Laurent Pokou.
Lawrence Mulenga, the goalkeeper, spilled an Achraf Hakimi cross, and Ziyech was the first to react in the goalmouth, slamming the loose ball into the net.
The Gabonese referee lectured Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal shortly after for diving in the area to seek a penalty.
Ziyech, on loan from Chelsea to Galatasaray in Istanbul, did not return for the second half due to an injury and was replaced by Amine Adli.
With 20 minutes remaining, Zambia coach and former Chelsea and West Ham United manager Avram Grant introduced Sakala and Kangwa, hoping to increase the chances of an equalizer.
-1715160562.jpg)
