Their team was not involved on Wednesday but Ivorian supporters were the happiest after the conclusion of Group F went without a draw or victory for Zambia and Tanzania, allowing Ivory Coast to advance as one of the four best third place teams in the group stage. Zambia fell to a 1-0 defeat to Morocco with Hakim Ziyech scoring a first half goal to cement the status of the Atlas Lions as group winners. In the other match, DR Congo finished in second place following a 0-0 draw against Tanzania that confirmed the elimination of the Taifa Stars.
Similarly to their first two matches, Morocco took control early on before opting to conserve their energy. A dominant first half saw the Atlas Lions firmly in control and laying siege to the Zambian goal before Ziyech struck in the 38th minute when Achraf Hakimi’s cross was spilled to the edge of the six-yard box by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga where Ziyech fired in. Zambia improved their play in the second half but were not precise enough with their passing to break down the strong Moroccan defense and find the goal that would send them through to the Round of 16.
Little of note happened in the other Group F meeting between Tanzania and DR Congo. DRC coach Sébastien Desabre gave a look to some new players but nobody distinguished themselves on the Leopards who would have been eliminated with a defeat. However, despite a promising start for Tanzania the attack continued to look toothless and the Taifa Stars just did not have the firepower required to get the victory they needed.
Morocco advance as group winners and despite only claiming three points with three draws, DR Congo are through to the Round of 16 as runners-up while Zambia join Ghana as the third place teams who are eliminated. Highlights of both matches in Group F are below.
Morocco 1-0 Zambia
DR Congo 0-0 Tanzania
