Tonight's result was the culmination of a poor tournament for the continental champions after they failed to win a single match in Group C in Gabon.

Ivory Coast needed a win to go through following two draws earlier in the competition but never threatened their opposition, barely creating any chances of note at the Stade d'Oyem.

Morocco, coached by Herve Renard who led the Ivorians to the 2015 title, struck the final blow when Rachid Alioui scored on 65 minutes.

Morocco gained possession in midfield and launched a quick counter attack.

The ball was played out to Youssef En-Nesyri, on the left, who played a first time pass inside to Alioui, who took a touch before curling a sublime shot over the goalkeeper and into the top right corner.

In this evening's other Group C match, the Democratic Republic of Congo claimed top spot in the final standings with a commanding 3-1 win over Togo at Stade de Port-Gentil.

Tournament top scorer Junior Kabananga opened the scoring when he converted Chancel Mbemba's pass, his third goal in as many games.

Ndombe Mubele doubled the lead after the break, looping the ball over the keeper following poor defending.

Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba's goal gave Togo hope but it proved nothing more than a consolation when Paul-Jose M'Poku's sublime free-kick secured all three points for DR Congo.

Morocco and DR Congo will now await the first and second placed teams in Group D respectively once the final round of fixtures is played tomorrow.

Ghana, who have already qualified for the next round, take on Egypt while Uganda face Mali.