YAOUNDE: Achraf Hakimi curled up in a long-distance free kick as Morocco remained on course for their first African title in more than 45 years as they beat Malawi 2-1 in the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Fullback Hakimi’s precise strike completed the turnaround at the Ahmadou Ahidjou Stadium when Youssef An-Nesiri equalized at the stroke of halftime.
Malawi advanced early after a world-class goal from Frank Mhango, who hit a speculative left-footed effort from about 40 meters and watched happily as the swing ball caught Moroccan goalkeeper Yasin Bounou and hit the top of the net. But it crashed.
Morocco will take on Ivory Coast or Egypt in their quarter-finals in Yaonde.
After a tournament full of turmoil, Malawi threatened to cause another as Mhango made a surprise effort in the seventh minute.
Then a quick counter-attack in the 23rd minute provided another opportunity to double the lead, as low-ranked Malawi only participated in their third Cup of Nations final and saw their heavy setbacks, overtaking the first round for the first time. , staunch opponents.
However, he quickly retreated after that and lived a lucrative life as he defended strongly, with goalkeeper Charles Thom producing several unconventional saves to keep his side’s lead intact.
Yet he let a header from En-Nesiri slip out of his hands to equalize Morocco for two minutes in first-half stoppage time and there was little about a rocket-like free kick from Hakimi.
There were several close shaves in the middle as Sofien Boufal missed an easy opportunity and substitute Ryan Mami hit wide from close.
Morocco, who won their only Cup of Nations in 1976, had a scary run at the tournament since reaching the 2004 final and losing to hosts Tunisia. They have reached the quarterfinals only once in six tournaments.
Egypt and Ivory Coast meet in their last-16 clash
Douala on Wednesday.
(Written by Mark Gleason; Editing by Toby Davis)
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