VIDEO: Morocco 2-1 Malawi – Hakimi Scores to Take Morocco to the AFCON Quarter Finals
Morocco are through to the Quarter Finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 victory over stubborn Malawi at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
Gathogo Wanjiru Gabadinho Mhango put Malawi into an early lead with an exceptional strike but Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri leveled at the end of the first half and Paris St-Germain's Achraf Hakimi sealed the win for the Atlas Lions.
Morocco's quarter-final opponents will be either Egypt or Ivory Coast, who meet in Douala on Wednesday.
A well-observed silence was held before kick-off in memory of those killed at Yaounde's Olembe Stadium on Monday night.
The players wore black armbands and messages of condolence were displayed on the advertising hoardings.
The Orlando Pirates star, who was closer to halfway than to goal, spotted Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou off his line and struck a powerful shot into the top corner.
A back-pedaling Bounou, returning to the lineup after sitting out Morocco's last group game, got a hand to it but could not prevent a memorable goal.
Mhango had an excellent chance to extend the Flames' lead after 24 minutes when he broke clear and shot just wide.
Morocco started strongly at the start of the second half but again failed to press home their advantage.
They felt they should have had a penalty when the ball struck the trailing hand of Malawi defender Dennis Chembezi, but it was rejected after a VAR check.
They finally had the lead in the 70th minute when Hakimi struck a brilliant free-kick, curled over the wall, and into the near top corner.
It was no more than Morocco deserved and they will feel the margin of victory should have been much wider.
