Morocco Roars into AFCON Round of 16: Atlas Lions Seal Qualification

Tuesday 23 January 2024 - 14:39

In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Moroccan national football team has officially secured their spot in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament currently unfolding in Cote d'Ivoire. With a solid four points in their grasp, the Atlas Lions have guaranteed their advancement to the round of 16, irrespective of the outcome of their final group stage encounter against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday.

This qualification comes in the wake of both Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana being ousted from contention in Group F, amassing only 3 and 2 points, respectively. The AFCON's current format dictates that the top two teams in each group automatically progress, alongside the four best third-placed teams. Consequently, even if Morocco concludes the group stage in third place, they will still proceed to the next round.

Setting the tone for their AFCON journey, the Atlas Lions commenced with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Tanzania. This was followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a formidable DR Congo squad. Now perched at the summit of Group F, Morocco aims to capitalize on this momentum as they gear up for the impending knockout phase.

The expansion to a 24-team format, implemented in 2019 following approval by the Confederation of African Football during a pivotal 2017 executive committee meeting in Rabat, has added depth and excitement to the tournament. With their place in the round of 16 securely locked in, Morocco now shifts focus to concluding group play on a high note and embarking on a promising journey deep into the heart of the competition.