TheCable

The Atlas Lions of Morocco dispatched Zambia 1-0 to qualify for the knockout stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.

Hakim Ziyech scored the only goal of the match on 38 minutes as Morocco secured their second win in three matches.

The Galatasaray winger blasted a low shot into the net to score the goal that proved to be the winner when the goalkeeper failed to claim a low cross.

Morocco finished top of Group F with seven points and will be joined in the round of 16 by Congo DR who were held to a goalless draw by Tanzania for their third stalemate of the tournament but advanced with only three points from three matches.

In earlier fixtures, the trio of Mali, South Africa and Tanzania all moved into the knockout stage from Group E after both fixtures in the group ended goalless.

Mali were held by Namibia who advanced as one of the four best losers in third place after amassing four points, while Tunisia were dumped out of the tournament following a similar scoreline against South Africa who finished as group runners-up.

Ivory Coast also advanced to the round of 16 as the final best loser in the tournament, with their three points enough to squeeze the host nation through to the next round.

RESULTS

• Namibia 0-0 Mali
• South Africa 0-0 Tunisia
• Tanzania 0-0 DR Congo
• Zambia 0-1 Morocco