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Ed Dove
Africa Cup of Nations host Morocco defeated Zambia 3-0 in an electrifying match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, wrapping up their Group A campaign on a high note and advancing to the round of 16.
Ayoub El Kaabi scored twice, including a stunning bicycle kick, while Brahim Diaz added another fine goal to eliminate a struggling Zambia side. Mali managed to draw 0-0 with Comoros in Casablanca, enough for them to progress as runners-up.
Morocco’s victory marked the return of key player Achraf Hakimi, who had been sidelined since early November due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
The scoring began in the ninth minute when El Kaabi connected with a well-placed corner from Azzedine Ounahi, diving to head the ball past Willard Mwanza.
Diaz doubled the score in the 27th minute, finishing expertly after a cross from Abde Ezzalzouli that bypassed a lunging El Kaabi.
Zambia’s defense struggled to contain Morocco’s attacking threats, looking shaky from the start; El Kaabi nearly scored from the kickoff, and Ezzalzouli’s subsequent attempt was straight at Mwanza.
The inclusion of Ezzalzouli in the starting lineup added a lively dynamic to Morocco’s attack, allowing him to combine effectively with Diaz, who also spent time at Barcelona.
As the game progressed, Diaz came close to extending the lead further before halftime, striking wide after receiving a pass from Ezzalzouli, following some excellent play from Ounahi.
El Kaabi scored again five minutes into the second half with another spectacular goal, mirroring his earlier bicycle kick against Comoros. This time, he executed an impressive acrobatic effort to connect with Ounahi’s cross, sparking jubilant celebrations across Rabat.
The loudest cheer came when Hakimi made his entry as a substitute in the 64th minute, replacing Noussair Mazraoui. His return is a crucial boost for head coach Walid Regragui, who had faced mounting pressure following the end of the team’s historic winning streak against Mali in their previous match.
With this victory, Morocco advances as group winners and will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups C, D, or E in Rabat on January 4. Meanwhile, Mali will take on the runner-up from Group C, likely Tunisia, in Casablanca on January 3.
Mali controlled possession against Comoros but had Amadou Haidara controversially sent off near the end, leading to a tense finish. They progress with five points, while Comoros, finishing third with two points, will await confirmation of their advancement.
Earlier in the day, Group B winners Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola, a result that might still allow them to progress as one of the best runners-up. In another match, South Africa secured a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe to advance to the knockout stage.