As Namibia booked their first appearance in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E, South Africa reached the last 16 with a goalless draw, which eliminated opponents, 2004 champions, Tunisia.
The draw puts Namibia through as one of the group stage's four best third-placed teams, with The Brave Warriors set to take on Group D winners Angola in the first knockout round while Mali face Burkina Faso. The result kept host nation Ivory Coast sweating over their progression hopes.
Mali, on the other hand, managed to negotiate the group stage unbeaten, with South Africa's 0-0 draw with Tunisia in the group's other final game ensuring The Eagles claimed top spot. Namibia, meanwhile, survived a late onslaught from the West Africans to emulate fellow minnows Mauritania's achievement of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Their game with neighbours, Angola, will kick-off the last 16 on Saturday in Bouake, while Mali meet Burkina Faso, in Korhogo, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, 1996 champions South Africa have a chance to reach a third quarter-final in four outings, after missing the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
In Group F, DR Congo reached the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw with Tanzania in Korhogo, with the result eliminating the East Africans, who had needed to win to progress themselves. With Morocco already assured of progression after collecting four points from their first two games, and despite making four changes, the Atlas Lions dominated the first half at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro with Nayef Aguerd heading a glorious chance wide before Morocco finally, and deservedly, broke the deadlock, with Ziyech rifling home the only goal.
A point was enough for DR Congo to finish second in Group F behind Morocco, who topped the table thanks to their 1-0 win over Zambia. And, the prize for the Leopards is a last-16 tie against Egypt, with Morocco taking on South Africa.
The results were also enough to see tournament hosts Ivory Coast sneak into the second round as the last of four best third-placed teams. The Elephants - who had sacked boss Jean-Louis Gasset earlier on Wednesday after finishing third in Group A - will face defending champions Senegal in the last 16 on Monday.