MORROCO have beaten Malawi for a place in the AFCON quarter-final.
The Atlas Lions made a disastrous start as an incredible Gabadinho Mhango strike gave the underdogs the lead.
However, Youssef En-Neysri got the crucial equaliser on the stroke of half time.
And Achraf Hakimi put the Moroccans on course for the quarter-final with a brilliant free kick.
Follow all the latest with our live blog below…
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
That’s all from the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Morocco book their place in the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved win against a determined Malawi side.
This evening’s fixture was not short of any action, with two potential goal of the season contenders.
The Atlas Lions will now take on either Ivory Coast or Egypt in the next game, which will likely be their toughest challenge yet.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Eyes on the Quarter-Final
Morocco now progress to the quarter finals of the competition where they will face the winner of Ivory Coast vs Egypt, which takes place tomorrow afternoon.
The next round of the Africa Cup of Nations is due to be played at the weekend.
Goal of the tournament?
Despite Malawi’s loss, Gabadinho Mhango will be more than satisfied with his opening goal.
The striker was at least 30 yards out when he unleashed his stunning strike, which is sure to be a serious contender for goal of the tournament.
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco have proven that they have the potential to go all the way in this tournament.
The Atlas Lions were abundant in creativity this evening but lacked efficiency in front of goal.
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Hakimi continues to stand out as one of the best players at this year’s tournament.
He created numerous goalscoring opportunities throughout the game and his world-class free kick perfectly encapsulates his outstanding form.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Malawi took the early lead through a wonderstrike from Mhango, but it didn’t take long for Morocco to respond.
The Atlas Lions threw absolutely everything at the opposition and eventually got their reward just seconds before half time with an En-Nesyri header.
Hakimi then stole the headlines with 20 minutes to go as he converted an outstanding free kick from long range to secure the place in the final eight.
Whilst it is Morocco who progress, Mario Marinica will undoubtedly be proud of his team who had made it to the round-of-16 in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco book their place in the quarter-finals!
Malawi put in a great performance, but were ultimately outclassed by their opponents.
Credit: AFP 90. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Four minutes to be added on…
Morocco give away a cheap free kick which is launched straight into the box by Phiri Jr.
Aguerd manages to head it away, winning a free kick in the process.
87. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
There is another change for Morocco.
En-Nesyri is replaced by Abouklal.
Vahid Halilhodzic’s side have just two more minutes to hold onto the lead.
85. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Just five minutes to go.
Morocco look like they could clinch another.
A corner is sent into the box and finds Aguerd, who is completely unmarked.
The defender rises before heading towards goal, but his effort is off target.
80. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco are next to make a change.
Boufal makes way for El-Haddadi.
Louza makes way for Barkok.
78. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Malawi make a triple substitution.
Fodya, Davie and Ngalande come on.
Madinga, Sanudi and Idana come off.
75. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco are in complete control of the game now.
Malawi have just 15 minutes to find the equaliser.
The next goal is crucial.
70. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco have a free kick from 25 yards out.
Hakimi steps up to take it and unleashes a beautiful strike into the top right corner.
No goalkeeper would’ve saved that!
WHAT. A. FINISH!
Credit: Reuters 69. GOAAAAALLLLLLL MOROCCO!
What a finish from Hakimi!
66. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
There are calls for a penalty from Morocco as Chembezi slides to block Hakimi’s cross but the ball deflects off of his arm.
Despite VAR checks no penalty is given and the game continues.
62. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi have a fantastic chance to take the lead again!
Madinga crosses the ball into Mbulu but the striker completely misses the header.
This game could go either way!
60. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Sanudi is booked for a late challenge on Boufal and Morocco have a free kick in a very positive position.
Boufal takes the kick but it is headed clear.
54. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Morocco have made their first change.
El Kaabi has made way for Mmaee.
52. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi are struggling to maintain possession of the ball.
The tactics seem to be to launch the long ball over to Mhango in the hope of catching the defence out, but Morocco are handling the pressure well.
47. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Boufal heads straight towards goal as he cuts in from the right, but his shot is way off target.
Morocco have continued their positive momentum from the latter stages of the first half.
Kick off – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
We’re underway for the second half!
Malawi have made another substitution.
Mbulu has replaced Muyaba.
Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi were forced into a change just before half time.
Mhone has picked up an injury and will be replaced by Gerald Phiri Jr.
Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
The standout performer of the half has to be Thom, who made some exceptional saves to prevent the equaliser for so long.
The pressure was too much in the end for the Malawi defence to handle, but they are certainly still in this game
Credit: Rex Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
A spectacular early goal from Mhango is cancelled out in the final seconds of the half by En-Nesyri.
A sucker punch for Malawi, who have done well so far to keep the opposition at bay.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
