Hosts Morocco cruised to victory over Zambia to finish top of Group A at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), welcoming back captain Achraf Hakimi from injury in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions, who held a narrow two-point advantage over second-placed Mali after collecting four points from their opening two matches, started with purpose. Ayoub El Kaabi gave them an early lead in the ninth minute, heading home from a well-worked short corner.
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Brahim Diaz doubled Morocco’s advantage midway through the first half, calmly slotting in Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross from close range for his third goal of the tournament.
El Kaabi struck again five minutes into the second half, producing a superb bicycle kick to make it 3-0. The goal was confirmed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Chasing their first AFCON title since 1976, Morocco were able to reintroduce influential Paris Saint-Germain right-back Hakimi just after the hour mark, following nearly two months out with an ankle injury.
Hakimi nearly marked his return with a goal nine minutes from time, but his low effort was pushed away by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
Walid Regragui’s side will remain in the capital to face a third-placed team from Group C, D or E in the Round of 16 on Sunday, 4 January (16:00 GMT).
Elsewhere, results in Group A and Group B on Monday confirmed Benin, Sudan and Mozambique as qualifiers for the last 16 ahead of their final group fixtures.
Zambia exited the tournament and extended their winless run at the AFCON finals to 13 matches, a streak dating back to their semi-final victory over Ghana during their fairytale triumph in Gabon in 2012.
