Morocco played out a 0-0 draw with Gabon in their opening Group C clash of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Franceville on Saturday. Hosts Gabon failed to make use of their home advantage, struggling to create clear-cut chances in a largely dour affair. The only real chance in the game fell to Gabon forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang whose far-post free header from a Malick Evouna cross was brilliantly blocked by Morocco keeper Munir eight minutes past the hour mark. Ivory Coast take Mali late on Saturday in the other game of the tough group. Morocco reached the final phase of the qualifiers after beating Equatorial Guinea 2-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round, while Gabon advanced after beating Mozambique 4-3 on penalties. The Atlas Lions, Morocco will host Ivory Coast in the second matchday of Group C on 7 November, while Gabon will visit Mali. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)