In a remarkable display of gratitude, Ivorian youth jubilantly celebrated Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Zambia, which granted Ivory Coast an unexpected passage to the Round of 16 in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ivory Coast, the host nation, faced the possibility of elimination after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea. However, Morocco’s win over Zambia in Group F proved to be a lifeline, allowing the Elephants to clinch the fourth-best third-place position and secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Ivorian youths joyously escorted the Morocco team bus to their hotel, expressing their appreciation for the Atlas Lions’ crucial role in Ivory Coast’s qualification. The youthful fans filled the streets with cheers and honking car horns, expressing their elation as news of Morocco’s triumph spread across Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s largest city.
Last night in Côte d’Ivoire ?? , Ivorian youths escorted the Morocco ?? team bus on their way to their hotel..
They were filled with joy as Morocco’s win over Zambia ?? meant that they qualified to the last 16 of the #AFCON2023
My brother Ivory Coast said he has never seen… pic.twitter.com/DrbbUkWjvG
— Chude Nnamdi (@chude__) January 25, 2024
Morocco’s captain, Hakim Ziyech, emerged as a local hero by scoring the decisive goal in the 37th minute, capitalizing on Lawrence Mulenga’s save from Ayoub El Kaabi’s effort. The goal triggered widespread celebrations, with fireworks illuminating the Alassane Ouattara bridge in the colors of the Moroccan flag, red and green.
Despite Ivory Coast firing coach Jean-Louis Gasset earlier on the same day due to disappointing performances, the unexpected qualification injected renewed hope into the team. The dramatic turn of events now positions Ivory Coast for a challenging encounter in the Round of 16 against defending champions and in-form Senegal.
Morocco, finishing at the top of Group F with seven points, four more than Congo, also secured a place in the last 16. However, Zambia and Tanzania, both with two points each, were eliminated from the competition. As the 2023 AFCON unfolds with surprises and intense moments, teams gear up for the upcoming knockout stage matches.
Ivory Coast’s unexpected journey continues as they prepare to face the defending champions Senegal in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash. The AFCON spectacle promises more thrilling moments as teams vie for supremacy in the quest for continental glory.