Hosts Morocco secured top spot in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a convincing 3 to 0 win over Zambia, as captain Achraf Hakimi returned from injury to boost the team ahead of the knockout stage.
The victory in Rabat confirmed Morocco’s place as group winners and extended their unbeaten run at the tournament. It also ended Zambia’s hopes of progressing to the last 16.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Morocco began the match with confidence and clear attacking intent. They knew a win would guarantee first place in the group, and they wasted little time.
In the ninth minute, striker Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring. He rose high to head home from a short corner routine, giving the home fans an early reason to celebrate.
The Atlas Lions controlled possession and pressed Zambia high up the pitch, forcing mistakes and limiting their opponents’ chances.
Diaz Doubles the Lead Before Half-Time
Morocco’s pressure paid off again midway through the first half. Brahim Diaz made it 2 to 0, finishing calmly from inside the box after a low cross from Abde Ezzalzouli.
The goal was Diaz’s third of the tournament, underlining his importance to the Moroccan attack. He continued to drive the team forward with sharp passing and intelligent movement.
Zambia struggled to respond and rarely threatened Morocco’s defence before the break.
El Kaabi’s Stunning Goal Seals the Win
Just five minutes into the second half, El Kaabi struck again with a moment of brilliance. The striker produced a spectacular bicycle kick to make it 3 to 0.
After a brief VAR check, the goal was confirmed, sending the home crowd into celebration. It was El Kaabi’s second overhead kick of the tournament and one of the standout goals of AFCON so far.
Hakimi Returns to Action
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was able to bring on Achraf Hakimi just after the hour mark. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back had been sidelined for nearly two months with an ankle injury.
Hakimi’s return adds experience, leadership, and pace to the team at a crucial stage of the competition. He nearly marked his comeback with a goal late on, but Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza pushed his low shot away.
Zambia Exit as Morocco Look Ahead
Zambia needed at least a draw to keep their knockout hopes alive. However, they struggled throughout the match and failed to test Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The absence of captain Fashion Sakala, who missed the match due to illness, was clearly felt. Zambia lacked cutting edge in attack and finished the tournament having scored only one goal.
The loss means Zambia are now 13 matches without a win at AFCON finals, a run stretching back to their famous semi-final victory over Ghana before winning the title in 2012.
Morocco Gain Momentum Before Knockouts
Morocco had already secured qualification after wins over Comoros and a draw with Mali, but some fans had questioned the team’s performances. Finishing top of the group could prove vital as the Atlas Lions chase their first AFCON title since 1976.
Regragui’s side will remain in Rabat and face a third-placed team from Group C, D, or E in the last 16 on Sunday, 4 January (16:00 GMT).
The win also extended Morocco’s unbeaten run to 23 matches, dating back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 finals.
Group Results Elsewhere
Results elsewhere mean Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique have all secured qualification for the knockout stage ahead of their final group matches.
For Morocco, confidence is building at the right time. With key players fit again and goals flowing, the hosts look well placed to make a deep run in the tournament.