Morocco dominated Zambia to clinch first place in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the return of captain Achraf Hakimi from injury.
The Atlas Lions, possessing a mere two-point advantage over second-placed Mali after securing four points from their initial two matches, began with determination in Rabat, with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring in the ninth minute following a short corner play.
Brahim Diaz doubled the score to 2-0 halfway through the period, finishing off Abde Ezzalzouli’s low delivery from the middle of the box for his third goal in the finals.
El Kaabi scored a stunning bicycle kick five minutes into the second half, extending the lead to 3-0, with the goal confirmed as onside following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Morocco, pursuing their initial AFCON championship since 1976, had the advantage of bringing on key Paris St-Germain right-back Hakimi just past the hour mark after nearly two months out due to an ankle injury.
With nine minutes left, Hakimi nearly joined in but had a low shot blocked by Chipolopolo keeper Willard Mwanza.
Walid Regragui’s team will stay in the capital to play against a third-placed team from Group C, D, or E on Sunday, January 4 (16:00 GMT).
Outcomes in Group A and Group B on Monday ensure that Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique have all secured a spot in the last 16 prior to their final matches.
Zambia, on the other hand, leaves the tournament and has now gone 13 matches without a win at the Afcon finals—a streak that dates back to their semi-final win against Ghana prior to their remarkable success in Gabon in 2012.
Morocco had nearly secured a spot in the knockout stage after their initial 2-0 victory against Comoros, followed by a 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday. However, Regragui has faced criticism from an eager fanbase regarding the team’s performances, and claiming the top position may be vital for their ambitions to win the AFCON title for only the second time.
Everything proceeded as expected from the start, and the comeback of reigning African Footballer of the Year Hakimi will provide an added lift to the Atlas Lions, who have lengthened their unbeaten streak to 23 matches since their last-16 elimination at the 2023 finals.
El Kaabi and Ezzalzouli had each come near to scoring before the forward outmuscled Zambia defender Kabaso Chonga within the six-yard area and converted Azzedine Ounahi’s delicate cross.
With Real Madrid’s playmaker Diaz once more acting as a catalyst, the second goal was inevitable, and it came when Ounahi—the creator of numerous standout moments for Morocco—set Ezzalzouli free on the left.
Zambia entered the match following draws with Mali and Comoros, hoping to reach the last 16 with at least one point.
However, with captain Fashion Sakala entirely missing from the matchday squad due to illness, the Chipolopolo couldn’t make Yassine Bounou in the Morocco goal make a single save.
Zambia’s coach Moses Sichone, who was an assistant to Avram Grant before the ex-Chelsea manager was let go in October, will contemplate a tournament where his team netted just once.
The 2012 champions finished above titleholders Ivory Coast in their qualifying group, yet their performance has declined this year, with their sole victory in 2025 occurring against Tanzania during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying in October.
