Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Morocco 1-0 Ivory Coast
Date: 24 January 2017
Venue: Stade d'Oyem
Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Ivory Coast failed to progress beyond the group stages, after losing 1-0 to Morocco, who advanced to the last eight.
The Elephants got off to the better start, with Salomon Kalou looking the liveliest in the opening 15 minutes.
Morocco nearly broke the deadlock with their first chance in the 25th minute when Faycal Fajr rattled the upright with a free-kick from the edge of the box.
Kalou continued to threaten for Ivory Coast, as he picked out Wilfried Zaha, who forced El Kajoui into a fine save from close range.
The defending champions had another chance just before the break, but Kalou directed his header against the bar at the far post.
Morocco eventually broke the deadlock after 63 minutes as Rachid Alloui rifled home a fine strike from 25-yards out, 1-0.
The Elephants opted for a change after 75 minutes, as Jonathan Kodija replaced the ineffective Zaha for the final 15 minutes.
Kalou was the Elephants' liveliest threat on the night and he nearly leveled matters in the 81st minute, but his volley sailed into the side-netting.
Nonetheless, the score remained 1-0 to Morocco at the full-time whistle, as the defending champions bow out.
