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CHAN 2016: Cote d'Ivoire pip Morocco to go second in Group A

By ghanasoccernet.com
Sports News Krahire Yannick Zakri of Ivory Coast celebrates with teammates during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda, match between Morocco and Ivory Coast at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda on 20 January 2016 Muzi NtombelaBackpagePix
JAN 20, 2016 LISTEN
Krahire Yannick Zakri of Ivory Coast celebrates with teammates during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda, match between Morocco and Ivory Coast at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda on 20 January 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Cote d'Ivoire have moved to second place in Group A after narrowly beating Morocco 1-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The first chance of the exciting encounter fell through Cote d'Ivoire's way their free-kick from outside the box couldn't give them the lead.

Raja Casablanca midfielder Ahmed Jahouh's effort from the edge of the box went wide in the 24th minute.

The closest of seeing a goal in the first half came in the 25th minute when Abdessalam Benjelloun's cheeky back-heel from a Mourad Batna cross was save by Sangare Badra Ali off the goal line.

Mourad Batna's curled effort couldn't put Morocco in front by sailing over the crossbar in the 34th minute.

A Cote d'Ivoire wall did well to block a Morocco free-kick about 20 yards away from goal.

The Elephants were awarded a penalty inside stoppage time when Abderrahim Achchakir pulled down winger Atcho Junior Djobo.

Asec Mimosas' Krahire Zakri Yannick sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Cote d'Ivoire in the lead.

Cheikh Ibrahim Comara could have doubled the lead for the Elephants but his effort from a decent chance from no more than six yards went wide in the 65th minute.

Mourad Batna saw his 35 yards free-kick hit the framework of goal in the 69th minute.

Abdelghani Mouaoui came close to drawing Morocco level but his fizzing shot missed the goal by inches.

Cote d'Ivoire are now second on the Group A behind already qualified hosts Rwanda.

The Elephants will need only a draw against Gabon on Sunday to make it to the next of the tournament whilst Morocco play Rwanda in the other Group A fixture.

By Nuhu Adams, O FM Obuasi

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