Morocco eased into the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a dominant 3–0 win over Zambia on Monday, sealing top spot in Group A all thanks to Ayoub El Kaabi, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
The hosts started brightly and took the lead inside nine minutes as Ayoub El Kaabi headed home from close range following a well-worked short corner.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz calmly finished after Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross, with Azzedine Ounahi again the architect.
Any Zambian hopes were ended early in the second half as El Kaabi completed his brace in spectacular style, firing in an acrobatic overhead kick in the 53rd minute, a goal later confirmed by VAR.
Walid Regragui, Morocco head coach lauded his team for sticking to the plan in his post match assessment.
"We played well and had a solid plan that worked out well. It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal out qualification. We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final.
"We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their utmost best in every match. We look forward to the knockout stages and will continue working hard."
The win lifts Morocco to seven points and first place in the group, ahead of Mali who also advance after a goalless draw with Comoros.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye