Nayef Aguerd played a pivotal role as Morocco secured their spot in the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations knock-out stages as winners of Group F.
The Atlas Lions defeated Zambia 1-0 on Wednesday evening, with former Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech scoring the only goal of the game in the first-half.
The victory means Morocco conclude their group-stage campaign with seven points from three matches, ensuring Aguerd and his teammates go through to the round of 16 as the top team in Group F.
The West Ham United defender once again played the full 90 minutes, meaning Aguerd has been an ever-present for Morocco at the tournament so far, and it was a successful evening for the 27-year-old and his international colleagues at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pédro, Ivory Coast.
In truth, a one-goal win only tells part of the story of a match that Morocco largely dominated, registering 19 shots - of which seven were on target - to Zambia's eleven and two, respectively.
Aguerd himself will feel he should have given Morocco the lead on 35 minutes when a Ziyech cross found him in the penalty area, only for the centre-back to angle his header narrowly wide.
Ziyech - Morocco's captain for the evening - gave his side the lead just two minutes later. The 30-year-old was in the right place to tap home a spilled cross, giving his team the deserved advantage.
Zambia, coached by former West Ham United boss Avram Grant, came out swinging in the second half. Forward Barbra Banda was the team's brightest spark but could find no way past Aguerd and the Morocco defence.
A second clean-sheet in three Group F games meant Ziyech's goal was the crucial difference, securing Morocco their place in the round of 16 as group winners. Zambia, meanwhile, exit the tournament.
Aguerd and Morocco will now prepare for a round of 16 tie against South Africa, who progressed as runners-up in Group E. The match will also be played at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Tuesday 30 January.
