Morocco hangs on, South Africa revives… What to remember from Sunday’s matches

After conceding a draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), Morocco is not qualified but remains at the top of its group. South Africa largely beat Namibia (4-0).

The second day of this African Cup of Nations group stage ended on Sunday. And if several qualifiers have already been revealed, such as Cape Verde and Senegal, this is not the case for today’s participants. Morocco, leader of Group F, came up against the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), while Zambia and Tanzania shared a tie (1-1). In group G, South Africa crushed Namibia (4-0) and positioned itself as runner-up to Mali before the last day.

Morocco still in the lead, but not qualified

Already well underway after its big victory against Tanzania (3-0) during the first day of the group stage, Morocco drew against the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), Sunday January 21, at thetade Laurent Pokou, at San Pédro (Ivory Coast). The Atlas Lions struck hard from the start: in the 6th minute, well served from a corner by Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring with a right-footed volley.

After missing a penalty at the end of the first period, the DRC ended up equalizing thanks to Silas Katompa-Mvumpa, who came to deceive Bounou with a right-footed shot (76th). If they have not yet reached the round of 16, the Atlas Lions remain at the top of their group ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, tied on points.

Daka saves Zambia on the wire

Still at the Laurent Pokou stadium, the second meeting of Group F opposed Zambia and Tanzania. The Tanzanians quickly took the lead in the 11th minute, with Simon Msuva opening the scoring. Reduced to ten after Roderick Kabwe’s second yellow card, Zambia came back to score at the very end of the match, through Patson Daka, the Leicester striker (89th).

Morocco is therefore still leader with four points, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia follow with two points.

South Africa relaunches in the race for qualification

On the first day, Namibia achieved a feat by beating Tunisia with a goal from Deon Hotto. There won’t be a second one. At the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo, South Africa comfortably beat Namibia on Sunday (4-0). A penalty from Percy Tau (14th), a double from Themba Zwane (25th, 40th), and a final achievement from Thapelo Maseko (75th) got the better of the opposing hopes.

With this big victory, South Africa takes second place in the group from Namibia, on goal difference. With four points, Mali is still in the lead.