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Africa Cup of Nations match report Morocco v Ivory Coast

Morocco progressed to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast.

The Ivorians remained unchanged from the win over South Africa, with Karim El Ahmadi and Younes Belhanda the only changes for the Moroccans.

Morocco were pinned back seconds from kickoff, as Jonathan Kodjia's header required a goal-line clearance after a cross from Serge Aurier.

Unlike their last encounter, Ivory Coast were pushed to the edge afterwards as the Moroccans started to find their groove.

The side-netting then denied the Atlas Lions 18 minutes in following Youssef En-Nesyri's low effort from the far side of the area.

En-Nesyri made amends 23 minutes in with a bottom corner execution from Nordin Amrabat's defence-splitting through ball.

Nicolas Pepe leaned towards an equaliser with a snap-shot off a loose ball two minutes later, but the side-netting denied the in-demand attacker.

Whilst probing, gaps appeared which the Moroccans utilised to setup En-Nesyri for a second, but Sylvain Gbohouo answered the call.

Ivory Coast came close yet again four minutes before halftime, but Moustafa tipped the long-range effort for a corner.

The Ivorians and the Moroccans start slowly in the second half, with the former bringing on Maxwel Cornet for Max Gradel after 55 minutes.

Nothing appeared to bother the North Africans, who maintained the balancing act well against a side blowing hot and cold.

The match began slipping from the Ivorians, more so with the introduction of Mamadou Bagayoko who replaced the injured Aurier.

Morocco looked for an insurance effort eight minutes from time, but Gbohouo pushed Belhanda's effort away.

In added time, Noussair Mazraoui struck the crossbar from a wide delivery after the hosts went to sleep at the back, as the Moroccans qualify for the knockout stages.

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