Ayoub El Kaabi struck twice as host nation Morocco recorded a commanding 3-0 win over Zambia on Monday, sealing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as Group A winners.
The Olympiakos forward scored once in each half before a packed crowd of 62,532 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, while Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz added the other goal, finding the net for the third consecutive match at the tournament.
The victory saw Morocco finish the group stage with seven points from two wins and a draw, edging Mali, who placed second after a third straight goalless draw against Comoros. Walid Regragui’s side will now remain in Rabat for their round-of-16 encounter against one of the best third-placed teams on Sunday, January 4.
The hosts bounced back strongly after their world-record 19-match winning run ended in a 1-1 draw with Mali, completely outclassing a Zambian side that needed a win to guarantee progression. El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, nodding in from close range after Azzedine Ounahi’s delicate delivery from a short corner.
Morocco doubled their lead before the half-hour mark following a slick attacking move, with Ounahi releasing Abde Ezzalzouli down the left. His low cross evaded El Kaabi, allowing Diaz to arrive and finish confidently.
Six minutes into the second half, El Kaabi sealed the win with an acrobatic overhead kick after breaking the offside trap, a goal initially ruled out but later confirmed following a VAR review. The brace moved him level with Diaz and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart.
The evening was further boosted by the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, who made his first appearance of the competition as a second-half substitute following an ankle injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
What you should know
Morocco entered the tournament as one of the favourites, backed by their high FIFA ranking and strong home support.
Their dominant group-stage performance reflects both tactical discipline and attacking depth under coach Walid Regragui. Ayoub El Kaabi’s clinical finishing and Azzedine Ounahi’s creativity have been central to the team’s success, while Brahim Diaz has emerged as a consistent goal threat.
Remaining in Rabat for the knockout stage gives Morocco a logistical and psychological edge, as they continue their quest for continental glory on home soil.
