Morocco secured progress to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a 3-0 victory over Zambia, moving clear at the top of Group A. Ayoub El Kaabi scored twice, Brahim Diaz added another, and Walid
Regragui’s side will now face a best third-place team on January 4.
The scoring started early when El Kaabi dived to head in after nine minutes. Before the half-hour, Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz swept a low finish into the net for 2-0. Morocco then tightened control, limiting Zambia’s response while continuing to create chances at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Soon after the break, El Kaabi produced a bicycle kick in the 50th minute that was first ruled offside. VAR intervened and showed the forward had timed the run to meet Abde Ezzalzouli’s cross, so the goal stood. The strike completed El Kaabi’s brace and confirmed Morocco’s dominance on the night.
The kind of finish you watch once, then again and again and again. Ft. Ayoub El Kaabi. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/iLhQSOo9KrTotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 29, 2025
Morocco’s attacking control showed in the numbers, with 19 shots and nine on target. The team generated 1.89 expected goals, while Zambia managed only five attempts, none on target, for 0.3 xG. The statistical gap reflected the one-sided pattern of the match.
| Team | Shots | Shots on target | Expected goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 19 | 9 | 1.89 |
| Zambia | 5 | 0 | 0.3 |
Achraf Hakimi, absent since suffering an injury for Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in early November, returned as a second-half substitute. Hakimi attempted three shots, drew an impressive save from Willard Mwanza, and won the single duel contested, signalling a confident comeback.
Elsewhere in Group A, Mali and Comoros drew 0-0, confirming Morocco’s position at the top of the standings and eliminating Zambia. With three group wins, strong underlying data, and key players such as El Kaabi and Hakimi performing, Morocco head into the last 16 with clear momentum.
