Boufal's Morocco secure last 16 berth

The maverick midfielder was a 75th minute substitute for the Atlas Lions, who secured their place in the last 16 thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half strike in Cairo.

The striker, who plays his club football under Mauricio Pellegrino at Leganés, latched on to a clever pass from former Watford winger Nordin Amrabat to score the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute.

Ivory Coast curiously left Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha on the bench throughout, but came closest to an equaliser when Max Gradel was denied by Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou.

Boufal will hope to be involved again when the Group D leaders return to action for their third and final group match against South Africa on Monday.