2017 AFCON: Champions Ivory Coast must beat Morocco for quarter-final berth
African Nations Cup holders Ivory Coast must beat
Morocco to secure progress to the last eight when they meet at the ongoing
tournament in Gabon later on Tuesday at Oyem.
The Ivorians could be the next major casualty at
this year’s tournament unless they can get the better of Morocco and their
former coach Herve Renard in their last Group C match.
Failure to do so will see them follow hosts Gabon
and pre-tournament favourites Algeria out of the door.
Ivory Coast were in a similar position two years
ago when they also drew their opening two games but then went on a winning run
that took them to the title.
“Don’t worry we’ll do it again,’’ promised fullback
Serge Aurier after their last draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo on
Friday.
DR Congo are top on four points and are expected to
see off Togo, on one point, in Port Gentil to go through as group winners.
Morocco, in second spot, have three points, one
more than the Ivorians.
Since departing the Ivory Coast, who he led to the
2015 Nations Cup title, Morocco coach Renard has already had one reunion with
his former charges in a World Cup qualifier in Marrakech in November which
ended in a 0-0 draw.
On Monday, Senegal, who had already secured top
place, rested key players as they drew 2-2 with Algeria in Franceville, while
Tunisia, who needed just one point to take second spot, comfortably beat
Zimbabwe 4-2 in Libreville.