AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Fans Celebrate Around Morocco Team Bus After Qualification.

• The streets of Ivory Coast erupted with joy after sealing qualification
• The chances of the AFCON hosts appeared all but ended
• But Morocco’s win against Zambia catapulted them into the next round

Morocco’s 1-0 win over Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday had the knock-on effect of sending Ivory Coast through to the last 16, after a day in which the tournament hosts sacked their coach.

The final day of group-stage matches also witnessed Namibia securing a spot in AFCON’s knockout stage for the first time, alongside South Africa’s progression. Responding to unexpected exits, several heavyweight teams across the continent parted ways with their managers.

In San Pedro, the much-favoured Morocco defeated Zambia, securing the top spot in Group F and leading to the first-round exit of Chipolopolo, guided by Avram Grant.

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Hakim Ziyech found the net with the sole goal just before halftime, securing a last-16 encounter for the Atlas Lions against South Africa next Tuesday in San-Pedro.

Morocco’s outcome was met with nationwide jubilation in the host country, enabling Ivory Coast to advance to the next round as one of the top four third-placed teams.

A video circulating on social media captured the exuberant scene as Ivory Coast fans encircled the Morocco national team bus, celebrating their qualification for the upcoming round.

Meanwhile, Supporters of the West African powerhouse inundated the streets, exuberantly expressing their uncontainable joy.

The celebration, characterized by the blaring of car horns, lively vuvuzela sounds, and the cheers of grateful fans, painted a vivid picture of a nation relieved and thankful for the unforeseen turn of events that spared them from what appeared to be a heart-wrenching exit.

Ivory Coast part ways with head coach

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Ivory Coast’s head coach, Jean Louis Gasset, has been sacked after his team’s disappointing loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A tie, Sports Brief reported.

Despite the anticipation of securing victory on their home turf, Gasset’s team encountered setbacks, suffering defeats in two out of three group-stage matches.

Emerse Fae is positioned to assume the head coaching role should Ivory Coast qualify for the round of 16.