Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd played a crucial role in securing the team’s place in the knockout stages of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations as they emerged victorious in Group F. The Atlas Lions secured a 1-0 win against Zambia on Wednesday, with Hakim Ziyech, the former Chelsea playmaker, scoring the lone goal in the first half.

This victory solidifies Morocco’s position atop Group F with seven points from three matches. Aguerd, a key figure in the defense, played the entire 90 minutes once again, maintaining his consistent presence throughout the tournament. The successful evening at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pédro, Ivory Coast, sets the stage for their progression to the round of 16.

Despite the one-goal margin, Morocco dominated the match, registering 19 shots, seven of which were on target, compared to Zambia’s eleven shots with two on target. Aguerd himself had an opportunity to give Morocco the lead in the 35th minute, but his header from a Ziyech cross narrowly missed the target.

Ziyech, serving as the captain for the evening, capitalized on a spilled cross just two minutes later to provide Morocco with a well-deserved lead. Zambia, led by former West Ham United boss Avram Grant, pressed in the second half, with forward Barbra Banda posing a threat. However, Aguerd and the Morocco defense held firm, securing a second clean sheet in three Group F games.

Ziyech’s decisive goal ensures Morocco’s progression to the round of 16 as group winners, while Zambia exits the tournament. Aguerd and the Moroccan team are now set to face South Africa, the runners-up in Group E, in the round of 16 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday, January 30.