Morocco did host nation Ivory Coast a huge favour by beating Zambia to send the Elephants into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 by the back door.
Zambia needed a point from the Group F finale to deny the hosts the fourth and final qualification spot for the group stage’s best third-placed teams.
But Hakim Ziyech slammed in from close range to send Zambia home, Ivory Coast through and help Morocco top the group.
The Atlas Lions will face South Africa in the knockout stages on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, who sacked boss Jean-Louis Gasset earlier on Wednesday after their disappointing group displays put the West Africans on the brink of an early exit, will meet Senegal in a mouth-watering last-16 tie on Monday.
For that, the Elephants owe a debt of gratitude to Walid Regragui’s side for handing them a reprieve at the eleventh hour, ensuring another dramatic twist to end an enthralling, unpredictable set of group games.
Head coach Regragui was absent from the Morocco dugout against Zambia after being given a four-match ban by the Confederation of African Football for “post-match incidents” following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Two games of his ban have been suspended for a year but the 48-year-old will also have to watch the last-16 meeting with Bafana Bafana from the stands, unless a Moroccan appeal succeeds.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO MASTERCARD FOUNDATION: NIGERIAN YOUTHS ARE TALENTED, READY TO LEARN, AND CAN COMPETE GLOBALLY
President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented, eager to learn, and ready to compete globally.
Speaking at a meeting with Ms. Reeta Roy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, President Tinubu said his administration will strongly support public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The President commended Mastercard Foundation’s initiative, which aims to create 10 million jobs for young people in Nigeria, noting that the programme aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development and job creation.
”We believe in what you are doing. We are determined to run an inclusive government and change the dynamics and perception of this country. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and, as such, must take its leadership of this continent very seriously.
”We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population. God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population, ready to learn, and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. Leadership is what is necessary.
”The incubation is growing, and we are earning a good reputation, and we will continue to do that across sectors of the economy in order to achieve sustainable growth,” the President said.
President Tinubu also welcomed Mastercard Foundation’s emphasis on digitization, recognizing the role of technology as a potent and indispensable tool against corruption.
“We are ready to work with you and remove all impediments, and we have assembled a great team to work with you. The hope of the youth must be built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity. We are working with other partners, and we assure you of our robust and focused collaboration,” the President stated.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate noted the wide-reaching impact of the Mastercard Foundation across Africa and its proven capacity to change the fortunes of human capital development in Nigeria.
“This is an institution that holds assets worth more than $40 billion and they are prudent in ensuring that their resources are applied digitally and in a way that reaches their target beneficiaries directly. Mr. President’s strong commitment to reforming social intervention and health service delivery in Nigeria will be greatly boosted through this partnership,” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated.
Mastercard Foundation CEO, Ms. Reeta Roy informed the President that the Foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, aims to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030.
She reported progress on the Foundation’s 10 million target for Nigeria, stating that 2.1 million young people trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ are already engaged in dignified work.
Furthermore, she said no fewer than seven million people have gone through programmes classified as work enablers, including skill acquisition, education, access to financial tools, networks, or linkages into opportunities.
“We are still on a journey and have more work to do. We are excited about looking at a whole new frontier, and that is in the healthcare sector.
“While we may not historically be a health organization or health foundation, we are looking at that sector as part of a vibrant economic landscape ripe with opportunities for young people and our focus will be on workforce development.
“Thank you for placing young people at the heart of your economic growth agenda across multiple sectors. We appreciate your contributions to the health sector. I know there are many things that require your time, but I am really grateful and very much encouraged to see that healthcare and education are also critical parts of the way forward. We hope that you find in us a partner that is steadfast, open, and ready to learn,” the Mastercard Foundation CEO said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 24, 2024
