Ivory Coast out of African Nations Cup as Morocco, DR Congo advance

Ivory Coast failed to make it past the group stage in their defense of the African Nations Cup, crashing out without winning a game after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

The Elephants needed to beat Morocco in the last round of matches in Group C to make the quarterfinals but instead followed fellow giants Algeria out of the tournament.

Ivory Coast were outsmarted by Morocco coach Herve Renard, who guided the Ivorians to the title two years ago.

On 24 minutes, Renard's side went close to taking the lead as a free kick from Faycal Fajr hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced away.

Wilfried Zaha and Salomon Kalou then both missed chances to give Ivory Coast the lead, and Morocco made the Elephants pay when they went ahead just after the hour mark.

Substitute Rachid Aliou scored Morocco's goal with a curling long-range shot, confirming Ivory Coast's elimination.

"It's tough to go out like that in the first round. It's hard to swallow," Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie said.

Ivory Coast's woes continued the recent curse of the champion at the African Nations Cup. Egypt, winners in 2010, didn't qualify in 2012, while Zambia went out without winning a game in 2013 and Nigeria failed to qualify in 2015

Meanwhile, DR Congo topped Group C with a colourful 3-1 win over Togo in Port-Gentil and progressed alongside Morocco.

The Leopards took the lead in the 29th minute through Junior Kabananga's third goal of the tournament, with Ndombe Mubele then adding a delightful finish nine minutes after the break.

Togo's Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba pulled a goal back 15 minutes later before fellow substitute Paul-Jose M'Poku's fine free kick wrapped things up for Florent Ibenge's side with 10 minutes to go.

The result took DR Congo to seven points from their three group games as they secured top spot, while Togo were left bottom with only a point to their name.

"We are going to keep going, you know," DR Congo midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu said. "When we started this tournament no one would have bet on us. We're a surprise. We want to go to the final. It's going to be tough ... but we have quality players."

Information from The Associated Press and Press Association was used in this report.