Joint-favourites Morocco reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage unbeaten thanks to Hakim Ziyech’s solitary strike against Zambia.
Morocco started the game on top but were unable to convert the chances they created until the 38th minute, when captain Ziyech broke the deadlock as he pounced on a loose ball that had ricocheted off the goalkeeper.
The Atlas Lions continued to impose their dominance in the second period, although they looked less lethal in the attacking third after their skipper was subbed off at half-time. They came close to increasing their lead towards the end of the match but Zambian goalkeeper Tresford Lawrence Mulenga denied them as he pulled off two brilliant saves.
Former Chelsea star Ziyech was an absolute livewire on the pitch as he constantly created goal-scoring opportunities for his side, and he of course scored the winning goal as Morocco reached the knockout stage unbeaten. There remains a slight concern for the Atlas Lions as Ziyech had to be substituted at half-time and was seen applying an ice pack to his ankle.
THE BIG LOSER
Leicester City forward Patson Daka had a disappointing outing for the Zambians as he failed to make the best of the very few chances that his team created. In a match where the Copper Bullets had to score to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round, an experienced forward like Daka failed to make the difference.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Zambia are knocked out of the tournament after finishing third in their group with two points, while Walid Regragui’s side will next face South Africa on January 30 in the round of 16.
