Morocco Sweeps Aside Zambia to end top in Group A
Tournament hosts Morocco defeated Zambia 3-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Monday night. The victory cements the Atlas Lions’ position at the top of Group A, sending a clear message to the rest of the continent as the AFCON 2025 knockout stage looms.
Led by a masterclass from Ayoub El Kaabi and the creative spark of Brahim Diaz, Morocco proved far too powerful for a Zambian side that fought bravely but ultimately crashed out of the competition.
A Dominant Opening Act
Morocco wasted no time asserting their dominance in front of a sold-out home crowd. Just nine minutes into the contest, the pressure told. Following a sequence of intricate passing on the right wing, a whipped cross found Ayoub El Kaabi unmarked inside the six-yard box. The striker made no mistake, nodding a powerful header past the Zambian goalkeeper to ignite the celebrations in Rabat.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid playmaker showcased his elite composure, latching onto a defense-splitting through ball before slotting a low, precise finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal that underscored Morocco’s tactical superiority and effectively ended Zambia’s hopes of an upset before the interval.
El Kaabi’s Moment of Magic
The second half began with the same intensity that defined the first, and it wasn’t long before the crowd witnessed the goal of the tournament. In the 50th minute, El Kaabi mirrored his heroics from the opening matchday.
As a high ball floated into the area, El Kaabi adjusted his body with acrobatic grace, leaping to connect with a stunning bicycle kick. The ball flew into the roof of the net, marking his second spectacular overhead goal of the tournament. The strike didn’t just seal the result; it solidified El Kaabi’s status as the most dangerous forward in the competition.
Defensive Solidity
While the attack grabbed the headlines, Morocco’s defense was equally impressive. Led by captain Nayef Aguerd, the backline restricted Zambia to speculative long-range efforts and ensured goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had a relatively quiet evening. The Copper Bullets struggled to find a rhythm, finishing the match without a single shot on target.
The result leaves Morocco at the summit of Group A with a perfect record of three wins from three matches. For Zambia, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign, as they finish at the bottom of the group and head home early.
