Zambia drew 1-1 with Namibia in Casablanca to top Group B and set up an African Nations Championship meeting with Sudan, while the point sets the Brave Warriors up for a date with hosts Morocco in the next round.
In the group's other fixture, already eliminated duo Uganda and Ivory Coast played out a stodgy 0-0 draw in Marrakech, as both sides ended disappointing campaigns on a limp note.
Surprise pacakge Namibia had left it late before striking in both of their first two fixtures, but here they sought to set the agenda, and took the advantage in the 13th minute when Absalom Limbondi beat Toaster Nsabata with a long-range free kick.
Their lead lasted just 11 minutes, however, when the impressive Lazarous Kambole - one of the breakout stars of the CHAN so far - found the net for his second of the tournament with another delightful effort.
Substitute Larry Bwalya had a chance to settle an entertaining contest in the second minute of stoppage time, but could only head straight at Loydt Kazapua from close range.
For failing to beat Zambia, the Namibians now face the ominous prospect of a meeting with Group A winners Morocco in Casablanca
In Marrakech, it was the Ivory Coast who enjoyed the best of the first half, where a lack of refinement with set pieces denied them a first-half lead.
Fonsinho, one of the great disappointments of the tournament so far, sent a header over in the first minute, although the same player was booked early on for simulation in the box as frustration again threatened to boil over for the Elephants.
The West Africans enjoyed the best chance of the game in the 85th minute, when substitute William Togui Mel broke through to set up Brou Manasse N'Goh, although he fired straight at Isima Watenga as the Ivorians missed the chance to score their first goal of the tournament.