AFCON 2023: What Morocco & DR Congo must do to advance from Group F

Morocco lead their group in AFCON 2023

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) group stage has been an exciting journey so far, with plenty of goals, several surprise results, and numerous outstanding performances. However, with many of the teams able to take points from each other, and only one side eliminated so far, there’s still much at stake as we head into the final round of group games.

The second round of fixtures has been completed in Group F. All four teams still have a shot at reaching the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Here we look at some scenarios by which Morocco and DR Congo have to do to advance to the next rounds:

Tournament up until now

Morocco started their campaign strongly with a 3-0 victory over Tanzania, but their progress slowed as they failed to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second match, with the pair playing out a 1-1 draw. Zambia played a 1-1 draw with Tanzania and DR Congo, whereas Congo drew with Morocco and Zambia respectively.

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Qualification scenario

Morocco currently holds the top spot with four points after recording a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The Atlas Lions are not assured of first place in the group, though, with DR Congo and Zambia trailing them by just two points. Morocco only needs a point against Zambia to guarantee a spot in the last 16. The Atlas Lions will secure first place in Group F if they beat Zambia in their showdown.

To advance to the last 16, the DR Congo national football team must secure a victory against Tanzania in their upcoming group match. Alternatively, a draw may prove sufficient for the Leopards if Morocco emerges victorious against Zambia in the parallel fixture. Zambia’s pathway to the round of 16 hinges on their performance in the upcoming group finale against Morocco. A victory in this match would propel them into the knockout stage as Group F winners.

In the event of a draw in their group finale against Morocco, Zambia’s advancement to the round of 16 remains a possibility. This scenario becomes even more favourable if the match between DR Congo and Tanzania also concludes with a tie.

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