A brace from Ayoub El Kaabi and a strike by Brahim Diaz were enough to send Morocco into the round of 16 and end Zambia’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Morocco started the match at high intensity, with Diaz coming close to scoring just seconds after kickoff.
Their strong start paid off in the 8th minute when El Kaabi headed home from close range to give the hosts the lead.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 26th minute through Diaz, whose first touch after receiving a pass from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli made it 2–0, allowing the Atlas Lions to go into halftime with a comfortable lead.
After the break, Morocco continued to pile pressure on the Chipolopolo, who struggled to string passes together and failed to register a single shot on target.
In the 50th minute, El Kaabi scored his second of the match and Morocco’s third with a bicycle kick. The goal was initially ruled offside by the assistant referee but was later awarded following a VAR review.
The defeat means Zambia have officially been eliminated from the tournament after finishing with two points from draws against Mali (1–1) and Comoros (0–0).
Meanwhile, Mali finished second in Group A with three points after recording three consecutive draws.
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