Hosts Morocco advanced to the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 as Group A winners following a clinical 3-0 win over Zambia, featuring a brace from Ayoub El Kaabi and the return of captain Achraf Hakimi.
Morocco secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat.
Forward Ayoub El Kaabi was the standout performer, scoring once in each half, while Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz continued his sensational form by netting for the third consecutive match.
The win ensures the Atlas Lions finish top of Group A with seven points, allowing them to remain in the capital for their upcoming Round of 16 clash on January 4.
The match was a showcase of Morocco’s tactical dominance, as they controlled 70% of possession and limited Zambia to zero shots on target.
El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a close-range header before Diaz doubled the lead just before halftime.
The night’s most spectacular moment arrived six minutes after the restart, when El Kaabi met an Azzedine Ounahi cross with a clinical overhead kick.
The goal, initially flagged for offside, was eventually awarded following a VAR check, marking a high point in a “comfortable evening for the host nation.”
A significant boost for manager Walid Regragui was the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, who received a standing ovation when he entered the pitch in the 64th minute.
It was the defender’s first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in early November.
While Zambia exits the competition winless, Morocco’s professional display reaffirmed their status as title favorites.
Reflecting on the team’s balance and the return of their star fullback, the report noted that the hosts successfully “bounced back” from their previous draw by outclassing their opponents.