Zambia’s Elimination from the 2023 AFCON Tournament
COSAFA side Zambia faced a disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 1-0 defeat by Morocco on Wednesday.
Despite being the 2012 CAF Champions, Zambia needed just a draw to advance to the knockout stages. However, a first-half goal by Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech secured Morocco’s second win of the tournament and propelled them to the top of Group F.
Group Standings and Elimination
Morocco’s victory meant they led Group F with seven points, while the Democratic Republic of Congo finished second with three points. The DRC played to a 0-0 draw with Tanzania on the same day.
Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, was absent due to a four-game ban (two suspended by CAF) following a heated exchange in their previous game against the DRC.
The Morocco Football Federation expressed their intent to appeal, asserting that Regragui’s actions did not violate the spirit of sportsmanship.
Next Challenge for Morocco
Despite the absence of their coach, Morocco advanced to the last 16 and is set to face Bafana Bafana in the next match on Tuesday. South Africa secured the second spot in Group E with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia on Wednesday.
Ivory Coast’s Progression and Coaching Change
Ivory Coast secured a spot in the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams. However, the hosts will be without coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who was fired on Wednesday.
Emerse Fae will now take charge of the team for the remainder of the tournament. Other nations advancing as the best third-placed teams include Guinea, Namibia, and Mauritania.
Last 16 AFCON Qualifying Teams and Fixtures
The Last 16 round fixtures are as follows:
- Saturday, 27 January:
- Angola vs. Namibia at 19:00
- Nigeria vs. Cameroon at 22:00
- Sunday, 28 January:
- Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea at 19:00
- Egypt vs. Democratic Republic of Congo at 22:00
- Monday, 29 January:
- Cape Verde vs. Mauritania at 19:00
- Senegal vs. Ivory Coast at 22:00
- Tuesday, 30 January:
- Mali vs. Burkina Faso at 19:00
- Morocco vs. Bafana Bafana at 22:00
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Super Eagles Touch Down in Ivory Coast for 2023 AFCON Tournament Kickof: Super Eagles’ Arrival for AFCON The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has landed in Ivory Coast to participate in the upcoming 2023 Africa...
Senegal Optimistic about the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast – Optimistic Prediction from Koulibaly: Kalidou Koulibaly, the veteran defender from Senegal, is optimistic about the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, anticipating it to be...
Ivory Coast Defeats Guinea-Bissau To Get First Victory As AFCON 2023 Kicks Off: Seko Fofana Shines in Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2023 Opener Seko Fofana, a prominent player for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, showcased his prowess...
Tijani Babangida Expects Enhanced Super Eagles Performance in AFCON 2023 Clash Against Ivory Coast: Babangida’s Positive Outlook Tijani Babangida, a former Ajax star, believes in the potential of the Super Eagles to showcase a better performance in the upcoming...
Super Eagles’ Head Coach Jose Peseiro Unveils Tactical Masterplan for Crucial 2023 AFCON Clash Against Ivory Coast: Strategic Planning Unveiled: Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has disclosed that he meticulously planned the approach for the 2023 AFCON group stage game against...
Ghana Sacks National Team Coach Chris Hughton Following Disappointing Performance at 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast: Ghana’s Decision to Part Ways with Coach Chris Hughton After Subpar AFCON Performance In a decisive move, Ghana’s national football team coach, Chris Hughton, has...
Ivory Coast Triumphs in AFCON 2023 Thriller As Senegal Bows Out After Penalty Shootout: In a gripping AFCON 2023 encounter, Ivory Coast and Senegal battled fiercely for a spot in the quarter-finals. Despite Ivory Coast’s dominance in ball possession...
AFCON 2023 Final Between Nigeria and Ivory Coast Preview: The highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations 2023 final is just around the corner, scheduled to take place on February 11, 2024, at 9 PM...
Drogba’s Spirited Anthem Serenade Marks Ivory Coast’s Thrilling AFCON Victory Over Mali, Securing a Semifinal Spot: Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, a national hero in Ivory Coast, exuberantly celebrated his nation’s thrilling 2-1 triumph over Mali in the AFCON quarter-finals. The...
Ivory Coast Stuns with Unbelievable Comeback, Seals Third Afcon Title in Thrilling Victory over Nigeria at Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé: In a spectacular turn of events on Sunday night, Ivory Coast scripted a comeback for the ages, clinching their third Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)...
