ZAMBIA V MOROCCO - African Cup of Nations Latest: Morocco through as group winners as Zambia crash out

Morocco secured top spot in Group F and knocked Zambia out of the African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win in San Pedro, a result that means hosts Cote d'Ivoire squeezed into the last 16.

The Atlas Lions dominated the first 45 with Sofiane Boufal the creator-in-chief, turning Zambian defenders left and right with his mazy dribbling. And they had the lead they deserved just before the half as Boufal picked out Achraf Hakimi on the edge of the box, the right-back pinging a cross into the six-yard box that Zambian showstopper Lawrence MUlenga could only parry into captain Hakim Ziyech.

The former Chelsea man swept home for 1-0, leaving Chipolopolo with an uphill battle in the second half.

Avram Grant's side came out fighting and pushed for a leveller, going close through Lameck Banda and Patston Daka, but Zambia couldn't find a way through a stubborn Moroccan backline.

The tournament favourites absorbed the underdogs' pressure and did the host nation a massive favour, holding on to knock out Zambia and gifting Cote d'Ivoire an unlikely path into the knockout stages as one of the best third place finishers.

Tonight's other result means that by virtue of Zambia's loss, o hosts Cote d'Ivoire squeeze into the last 16 as one of the best third place finishers.

They've a lot to thank Morocco for!

Brilliant goalkeeping!

Mulenga makes himself massive to deny Tissoudali twice from close range.

A moment later Tissoudali misses again! They've not been clinical at all.

In fact, that was a brilliant save from Bono from Banda there. Great goalkeeping to tip it over.

Emmanuel Banda pings one over from distance but Zambia go again, they're lining up to shoot now!

The fans are getting right behind them here. Morocco are sitting right back. Still plenty of time to make something happen.

Morocco make their final change.

Avram Grant rolls the dice...ten minutes to grab an equaliser.

Hakimi is the biggest name on the pitch but the ref doesn't care one bit. Hakimi is booked for diving...

Musonda zings an effort not a yard over the bar from distance. Bono knew he could leave it but Zambia still have a chance or two left in them here.

Zambia have just run out of steam a little here as we head into the water break. Morocco have stifled their efforts to grab an equaliser and they just look a little tired.

Zambia are still just one goal away from the last 16. Can they get it?

Just over 15 minutes of normal time remain...

Boufal makes way for Ezzlzouli, Saibari comes off for Richardson and KEl Kaabi comes off for Tissoudali.

For Zambia, Musonda comes off for Sakala and Chilufya makes way for Kangwa.

Morocco just taking the sting out of this Zambian resurgence right now...

They're passing it around the back just getting used to the ball at their feet again after 20 minutes of Zambian pressure.

Hakimi brings down Banda and the two are just starting to wind each other up a little.

The Moroccan looks especially riled up now that Zambia are getting the better of this game.

Lameck Banda weaves his way into space on the edge of the box before bending an effort just wide.

Hakimi can't handle him at the moment!

The underdogs are starting to create here.

It's a massive chance for Daka who finds himself in space just 10 yards out but Hakimi gets his body in the way just as the Leicester City man was about to pull the trigger.

Moments before, Chaiwa almost found Banda through on goal.

Better!

Bad news Morocco fans. Your captain Ziyech is on the bench holding an ice pack. He picked up a knock in that first half.

He's five days to rest!