Morocco produced a statement performance to brush aside Zambia and confirm their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages as Group A winners, ending the group phase in style in front of a buoyant home crowd.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists wasted little time in asserting their authority. Just nine minutes in, Ayoub El Kaabi rose highest to glance home a header from Azzedine Ounahi’s inviting delivery, giving the hosts an early breakthrough and setting the tone for the night.
Morocco continued to dominate possession and territory, pinning Zambia deep in their own half. The pressure told again in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz finished calmly from close range after Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s clever pull-back, doubling the lead and leaving the Chipolopolo with a mountain to climb.
Zambia struggled to cope with Morocco’s movement and intensity, relying heavily on goalkeeper Willard Mwanza to keep the scoreline respectable before the break. Despite a few moments of promise on the counter through Patson Daka and Lameck Banda, they went into halftime two goals down.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished early in the second half. Five minutes after the restart, El Kaabi struck again, this time with a spectacular bicycle kick that left the stadium in awe and effectively sealed the contest. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check, capping a brilliant individual display from the striker.
With the points secure, Morocco managed the remainder of the game with composure, rotating their squad and limiting Zambia to long-range efforts and half chances. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory and a perfect response after being held by Mali in their previous outing.
In the other Group A match, Mali were forced to dig deep to secure progression after a tense 0-0 draw against Comoros. Despite dominating spells of the game, the Eagles failed to convert their chances and were further hampered late on when Amadou Haidara was sent off following a VAR review.
Comoros defended resolutely and threatened on the break, but neither side could find a breakthrough. The stalemate, combined with Morocco’s win, meant Mali finished second in the group and advanced to the last 16 behind the hosts.
Morocco now march into the knockout phase full of confidence, while Mali will be relieved to have made it through, knowing sterner tests lie ahead as the tournament moves into its decisive stages.
