AFCON: Alioui’s Stunner Knocks Out Holders Ivory Coast As Morocco, DR Congo Progress

Defending champions Ivory Coast have crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after they were beaten 1-0 by Morocco at the Stade d’Oyem, Oyem, on Tuesday night.

The Elephants needed all three points against Morocco after drawing their first two Group C matches, but a beautifully curled shot by Rachid Alioui in the 64th minute knocked them out of the competition, as the North Africans qualified for the quarter finals.

The Ivorians dominated the game in the first half, with Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha coming close in the 36th minute, but his shot was beaten away by the goalkeeper.

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Hertha Berlin striker Solomon Kalou header rebounded off the post, as they were unable to force a way through and the teams went into the break with the score still goalless.

The West Africans were then punished just after the hour mark, substitute Rachid Alioui sent a looping shot over the keeper from distance to give his side a crucial lead, which proved decisive as Morocco held on to secure an unexpected qualification.

Though Ivory Coast’s fans were left with broken hearts, for Herve Renard, the French manager of the Moroccan team. In 2015, Renard was the coach of Ivory Coast which had lifted the title and would now try to guide Morocco to win their first title since 1976. If the 48-year-old succeeds, he will become the first manager to win the AFCON three times with three different nations.

In the other group game, DR Congo defeated Togo 3-1 to advance to the quarters as the table toppers.

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All four teams went into the final round of matches in Group C with a chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Africa Cup of Nations. In the end, DR Congo and Morocco secured their passage to the next round.

DR Cong will face the runners-up of Group D while Morocco will play the winners of that group on January 29.

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