Morocco close in on last 16 but are held at AFCON

Silas’ clinical second-half strike earned DR Congo a deserved point against Morocco in Group F of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco took an early lead when Achraf Hakimi lost his marker and volleyed the opener from Hakim Ziyech’s corner.

Cedric Bakambu missed a chance to equalise from the penalty spot for DR Congo shortly before half-time.

But the Leopards levelled when Silas calmly stroked the ball into the net from Meschack Elia’s cutback.

The Atlas Lions’ superior goal difference – a product of their 3-0 win over Tanzania in their opening match – means a point is likely to be enough for them to reach the round of 16 when they play Zambia in the final round of group-stage games on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).

DR Congo, who drew 1-1 with Zambia on Wednesday, will enter their simultaneous decider against the Taifa Stars targeting a win to guarantee their place in the round of 16.

Both teams had chances to win it late on with Morocco indebted to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after he tipped Fiston Mayele’s rasping shot over the bar.

Tensions spilled over after a hard-fought match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San-Pedro as scuffles broke out between both sets of players following the full-time whistle.