Morocco reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 1-0 on Friday to serve notice that they are one of the sides to beat at the tournament in Egypt.

Youssef En-Nesyri's 23rd-minute goal ensured a second win in Group D for Morocco, who move onto six points and join fellow heavyweights Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria with a 100-percent record.

The win came after a polished performance by the north African side, one of the pre-tournament favorites but whose only success in the continental championship came 43 years ago.

The goal was brilliantly crafted by Noureddine Amrabat's mazy run as he eliminated four players, before a short "no-look" pass set up En-Nesyri for a left-footed finish.

In another match on Friday, Tunisia and Mali drew 1-1 to leave Group E finely poised, with Angola and Mauritania meeting on Saturday.

Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri scored from a deflected free kick to rescue their draw against Mali whose goal came direct from a corner.

Diadie Samassekou put Mali ahead on the hour with a corner which Tunisia keeper Mouez Hassan tried to catch but, possibly caught out by a gust of wind. He allowed the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.

Khazri, who also hit the post in the fifth minute, levelled 10 minutes later when his free kick took a wicked deflection off a player in the Malian wall and completely wrong-footed goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Tunisia's second straight 1-1 draw left them with two points in Group E while Mali have four after beating Mauritania in their opening game.

It was a typically dour performance from Tunisia, whose coach Alain Giresse was facing a side he led in two previous AFCON tournaments. However, with debutants Mauritania to come in their final match, they should still reach the last 16.