Champions Ivory Coast crash out at the group stage

Morocco stunned Ivory Coast, as they defeated the 2015 champions of Africa 1-0 to see them off of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation in Gabon.

Rachid Alioui, 24 emerged the hero of the evening when his eye-pleasing finish broke the hearts of Ivory Coast, as it sent them packing from the tournament at the group phase

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Deportivo La Coruna player Fajr hit the woodwork in the 25 minute, a after he took a well calculated freekick to the relief of the Ivorians.

The Moroccan goalie made a point blank save to deny Wilfred Zaha. Salomon Kalou in a solo run located the Crystal Palace forward yet his shot went straight into the hands of the goalie.

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The Elephants came close again to breaking the deadlock of the game, after Wilfred Zaha's header went to Salomon Kalou, but El Kadoui in post for Morocco was there to block the ball from entering the net in the 43rd minute.

After the first half break it was Morocco who took their chance and shot into the lead in the 64th minute. Rachid Alioui in a world class fashion curled the ball from outside the 18-yard box into net to leave the Ivorian goalkeeper stranded.

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The goal was all that Morocco needed to deny Ivory Coast a place in the quarter finals.

The West African giants have become the 12th defending champions to be crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage.

On the other hand DR Congo thrashed Togo 3-1 to finish top of group C of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations