Morocco books its play into Afcon’s next round after beating Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire lost, Friday, to Morocco’s national football team in its second Africa Cup of Nations match. The Atlas Lions secured a second victory, taking three additional points through a goal scored by CD Leganes striker Youssef En-Nesyri.

With the help of Moroccan winger Nordin Amrabat, En-Nesyri scored the opener in the 23rd minute of the game, booking their play into the next round of the competition.

During the second half, the Atlas Lions tried harder to score a second goal, putting more pressure on the Ivorian team. In the 60th minute of the game, Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech shot a freekick that was handled by En-Nesyri. The latter kicked the ball, which went over the bar. A minute later, Côte d’Ivoire tried to equalize but in vain.

Morocco's second victory

In the 66th minute, En-Nesyri missed a third opportunity. He kicked the ball to Dirar who failed to score after the Ivorian goalkeeper saved the ball. A minute later, midfielder Ashraf Hakimi tried his luck with the ball but he couldn’t score.

Hervé Renard decided later to make his first substitution during the 74th minute of the match, recalling Ziyech who was replaced by Sofian Boufal. By the 78th minute, Amrabat demanded a break after he was hit the head.

In the 82nd minute, Belhanda tried to add a second goal with a nice shot but the solid Ivorian goalkeeper stopped it. By the end of the game, Côte d'Ivoire benefited from the mistakes of the national team, putting pressure on its goalkeeper. Moreover, on the 88th minute, Yassine Bounou blocked the ball following a scissor kick by Adama Traore, who performed one of the best scoring opportunities on behalf of the Ivorian Elephants.

In the 91st minute of the game, Boussoufa passed the ball to Noussair Mazraoui in front of the Ivorian goal, but he couldn’t hit the right spot. It is after this great opportunity that Renard recalled Boussoufa, who was replaced by Manuel da Costa.

For the record, the Atlas Lions won their first three points last Sunday, following their victory against the Brave Warriors of Namibia.