Morocco cruised to a 3-0 victory over Zambia to secure top spot in Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), welcoming back captain Achraf Hakimi from injury. The Atlas Lions’ comprehensive performance in Rabat underscores their ambitions as they chase their first AFCON title since 1976.

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Morocco’s Goals and Key Performances

The Atlas Lions set the tone early. Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a header from a short corner routine, giving Morocco an early advantage. Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid playmaker, doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross for his third goal of the tournament.

El Kaabi completed the scoring with a stunning bicycle kick five minutes into the second half. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check, emphasizing Morocco’s clinical finishing and tactical efficiency.

Hakimi, returning after nearly two months on the sidelines with an ankle problem, came on just after the hour mark. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back injected energy into the side, almost adding to the tally with nine minutes remaining, only for his low effort to be parried by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

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Morocco’s Knockout Stage Path

By securing top spot in Group A, Morocco will remain in Rabat to face a third-placed finisher from Group C, D, or E on Sunday, January 4, 2026 (16:00 GMT). The win extends their unbeaten run to 23 games, dating back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 AFCON finals, and could prove crucial in their pursuit of a second continental title.

Coach Walid Regragui faced criticism from fans for Morocco’s performances earlier in the tournament, but the team’s dominance over Zambia highlighted their strength, cohesion, and readiness for the knockout rounds.

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Zambia’s Struggles Continue

Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, exit the tournament after failing to secure a point. With captain Fashion Sakala absent due to illness, the Chipolopolo struggled to threaten Yassine Bounou in Morocco’s goal, leaving the side scoreless for the match.

Coach Moses Sichone, who previously served as assistant to Avram Grant, will reflect on a disappointing tournament where Zambia only managed one goal. Despite finishing ahead of holders Ivory Coast in qualifying, their form has faltered this year, with their only win in 2025 coming against Tanzania in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

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Key Takeaways

• Ayoub El Kaabi scored twice, including a spectacular overhead kick, to lead Morocco’s attack.
• Brahim Diaz continues to shine as a creative force for the Atlas Lions.
• Achraf Hakimi’s return boosts Morocco’s chances in the knockout stages.
• Zambia exit the tournament, extending their AFCON winless streak to 13 games since 2012.
• Morocco now prepares to face a third-placed team from Groups C, D, or E in the last 16.