ABIDJAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- With the result of Morocco's 1-0 victory over Zambia, host Cote d'Ivoire managed to qualify for round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday.

After Cote d'Ivoire was assured a place in the knockout stage, thousands of people took to the streets, singing songs in praise of the national team, with horns, whistles, songs and dances forming the scene.

Ranking third in Group A, behind Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire had to await the results of Group E and F matches on the last day with hope to be among the four best third-placed teams.

Cote d'Ivoire coach Jean-Louis Gasset has been sacked and replaced by his assistant Emerse Fae, a former Ivorian international.

Cote d'Ivoire will face off against the defending champion Senegal next Monday.