Morocco finally got the win they were looking for at the African Nations Cup finals. But their performance was again unconvincing as they exited the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Niger in Libreville on Tuesday.

Already eliminated, Morocco had been hoping to restore their reputation after defeats to Tunisia and Gabon in their first two Group C games.

But they could manage only a single goal against the Nations Cup debutants, and that came some 11 minutes from the end. Younes Belhanda netted the goal from close range at the end of a pass from Marouane Chamakh.

It was a goal that came as some relief to a Morocco side who had the lion's share of possession and again a myriad of chances but again flattered to deceive.

As in their two previous losing games, Morocco started brightly and could have been ahead after just three minutes. But over-elaboration on the ball saw them take too long in good positions in the penalty area and even Houcine Kharja skyed the ball over the top.

Niger's first threat from Maazou came after 10 minutes but he was thwarted by a good tackle from Jamal Alioui.

Two chances for Younes Belhanda and a miscue from Youssef Hadji saw Morocco beginning to become frustrated.

Soon after Niger goalkeeper Daouda Kassaly made a good stop to deny yet another Moroccan attack, the half ended with the best chance falling to Niger. Maazou shaved the crossbar with a thunderous shot from a tight angle although he did look to receive it in an offside position.

A free kick for Niger two minutes into the second half almost delivered the opening goal as Abdoul Karim Lancina's effort from some 30 metres out dipped and swerved in the air, forcing a good save out of the German-based goalkeeper Mohamed Amsif.