Winner against Zambia (1-0) this Wednesday in San Pedro, Morocco, already qualified, finished first in Group F of AFCON 2023. As a result, the Atlas Lions allowed Ivory Coast, the host country and 3rd in Group A, to qualify among the best 3rd-placed teams at the expense of Chipolopolos.
Without Walid Regragui, suspended for two matches following his altercation with Chancel Mbemba, and absent from several regular starters such as Romain Saïss, Selim Amallah, and Youssef En-Nesyri, rested at the start, the Atlas Lions entered the game quite timidly against the Zambians, who could settle for a draw to qualify and were not forcing the game.
After initial attempts by Saibari and Aguerd, the semi-finalists of the last World Cup eventually found success. In an action initiated by Boufal, Hakimi delivered a cross, repelled by the goalkeeper, which fell to Ziyech, the captain for the night, who was alert (0-1, 38th minute). The Galatasaray attacking midfielder dedicated his goal to his coach, directing a heart towards him. Shortly afterward, the Moroccans came close to doubling their lead, but Mulenga turned El Kaabi’s header away, and Boufal did not get a penalty for a contentious contact in the box.
Bounou saves the Elephants
Without Ziyech, slightly injured in the ankle and replaced by Amine Adli at halftime, the second half was played at a slow pace, which could have favored the Zambians. However, L. Banda’s curled shot missed the target at the hour mark. Above all, Bounou made a decisive save in the final minutes on an attempt by E. Banda. In the last moments, Tissoudali failed to break against Mulenga. More than the Moroccans, who will face South Africa in the Round of 16, it was the Ivorians who could celebrate. Despite their Monday fiasco, and without Jean-Louis Gasset, dismissed this Wednesday, they will indeed participate in the Round of 16 against Senegal!
