AFCON hosts Morocco cruise into last 16 after resounding win over Zambia
Host nation Morocco cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia to seal top spot in Group A at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), welcoming back captain Achraf Hakimi from injury on Monday, December 29.
The Atlas Lions, who held a narrow two-point advantage over second-placed Mali after collecting four points from their opening two matches, started with intent in Rabat. Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, heading home from a short corner routine.
Brahim Díaz doubled Morocco’s lead midway through the first half, slotting in Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross from the centre of the box for his third goal of the tournament.
El Kaabi struck again five minutes into the second half with a spectacular bicycle kick to make it 3-0. The goal was initially reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) before being ruled onside.
Morocco, chasing their first AFCON title since 1976, had the luxury of introducing influential Paris Saint-Germain right-back Hakimi shortly after the hour mark, following nearly two months out with an ankle injury.
Hakimi nearly marked his return with a goal nine minutes from time, but his low effort was pushed away by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
The hosts had effectively secured qualification for the knockout stage after following up their opening 2-0 win over Comoros with a 1-1 draw against Mali on Friday.
However, head coach Walid Regragui had faced criticism from sections of the fanbase over the team’s performances, and finishing top of the group could prove crucial as Morocco seek to lift the AFCON trophy for only the second time.
Regragui’s side will remain in the capital to face a third-placed finisher from Group C, D or E in the round of 16 on Sunday, January 4 (16:00 GMT).
Elsewhere, results in Groups A and B on Monday confirmed that Benin, Sudan and Mozambique have all secured qualification for the last 16 ahead of their respective final group matches.
Zambia, meanwhile, exit the tournament and are now winless in 13 AFCON finals matches—a run stretching back to their semi-final victory over Ghana en route to their fairytale triumph in Gabon in 2012.
