Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi scored a double and midfield maestro Brahim Diaz added another as the Africa Cup of Nations hosts produced a convincing performance to beat Zambia 3-0 on Monday to top Group A.
El Kaabi scored an early goal with a header and then scored with one of his trademark bicycle kicks, while Diaz scored for the third successive game as Morocco brushed aside their opponent to finish seven points ahead of second-placed Mali on three.
After a timid start to the tournament, with a nervy opening match victory over tiny Comoros and then an uninspiring 1-1 draw against Mali on Friday, Morocco finally looked like the favorites many have made for the 24-team tournament.
The defeat meant Zambia were eliminated and finished bottom of the group with two points, behind Comoros on goal difference. Mali, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw against Comoros and followed Morocco to the knockouts.
Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi scored his second goal with a brilliant bicycle kick, leaving Zambia looking for answers for a comeback. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi scored his second goal with a brilliant bicycle kick, leaving Zambia looking for answers for a comeback. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Morocco were on the attack from the start, forcing Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza into a save after 12 seconds and then making a point-blank stop in the sixth minute to deny Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
But he could not stop El Kaabi’s diving header in the ninth minute as the striker weaved his way between three defenders and found himself on the end of a corner.
El Kaabi might have scored his second goal in the 27th minute, but failed to connect with Ezzalzouli’s driving cross. But Diaz timed his arrival in the box perfectly to sweep it home with his left foot.
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Diaz was the driving force behind most Moroccan attacks. He poses a threat to opposition defenses with his trickery on the ball and is fast becoming a fan favorite at the tournament.
El Kaabi’s second goal came from a ball over the top of the Zambian defense as he launched an overhead kick for a spectacular finish. He was initially ruled offside but a VAR check confirmed he was onside when the ball was bowled.
HAKIMI RETURNS TO ACTION
Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain and recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, shot to fame as a 64th-minute substitute and had a beaming smile on his face in his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in the Champions League almost eight weeks ago.
Hakimi’s participation in the tournament was in doubt, but his recovery was completed faster than expected, with praise from his coach for his efforts in the rehabilitation process.
Achraf Hakimi entered the field to the applause of the home crowd after recovering from his injury. | Photo credit: AP
Achraf Hakimi entered the field to the applause of the home crowd after recovering from his injury. | Photo credit: AP
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back was inches away from scoring a fairytale goal in the 81st minute when a stab attempt with the outside of the boot appeared to find the net, but Mwanza made a complete save.
Morocco now wait to find out the identity of their opponents in the last 16 this weekend, who will be one of the top four third-placed players.
Published on December 30, 2025
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