Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Ivorian superstar Didier Drogba's 38th minute penalty kick gave his country a crucial 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 25th African Cup of Nations tournament, (CAN) second match played here Saturday.
Walid Regragui pulled Drogba's hand in the Moroccan penalty box as the English Chelsea's play maker appeared goal-bound.
Drogba fired a powerful ground shot to the far post, for the only goal in the second Group A match.
The second-half saw a well-balanced play with several missed chances by both sides.
Morocco has not won the CAN trophy since 1986, and the result placed them in a difficult situation, while the Ivorians, on a high with their 2006 World Cup berth for the first time, last won the African championship in 1992.
In winning their match, the Ivorian Elephants join the Pharaohs of Egypt with three points each in Group A, which also includes Libya, that lost 0-3 to the hosts in Friday's opening game.
Group A matches resume on Tuesday, with Egypt playing against Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire facing Libya.
Cameroon take on Angola, while DR Congo and square up against Togo in Group B matches later Saturday.
On Sunday in Group C, South Africa tackle Guinea (Conakry), while African defending champions Tunisia battle Zambia.