By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, December 2025 - Morocco secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 knockout stages with a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia in their final Group A match on Monday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The hosts clinched top spot in the group with seven points, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Morocco set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 9th minute. A well-worked corner routine saw Azzedine Ounahi play a clever short pass before delivering a dangerous cross to the back post, where Ayoub El Kaabi rose highest to direct a powerful header past Zambia’s goalkeeper. The early goal electrified the home crowd and put the Atlas Lions in control.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 27th minute. Morocco’s attacking play was rewarded when Brahim Díaz collected a low cut-back from Abde Ezzalzouli and calmly finished into the bottom corner. It was Díaz’s third goal of the tournament, underlining his importance to Morocco’s forward line.
After the break, Morocco continued to dominate possession and create chances. Their pressure paid off once more in the 50th minute when El Kaabi completed his brace with a spectacular overhead kick from another Ounahi assist. Although initially ruled out for offside, the goal was confirmed by VAR and put the result beyond doubt.
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With this win, Morocco not only sealed their passage to the round of 16 but also did so with authority, finishing the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw.
The victory meant Zambia, who had needed a positive result to keep alive their hopes of progression, were eliminated from the tournament.
Morocco now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, buoyed by a passionate home support and a strong team performance.
