The Moroccan national football team secured qualification for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia on Monday evening at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as part of Group A’s final matchday.
The Atlas Lions wasted no time asserting their dominance, with striker Ayoub El Kaabi opening the scoring as early as the 9th minute, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter in front of a packed home crowd.
Morocco continued to press and were rewarded in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz doubled the lead, capitalizing on the team’s fluid attacking play and confirming their clear superiority in midfield and attack.
El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular second goal, converting an acrobatic overhead kick to make it 3-0 and crown an outstanding individual performance on the night.
With this victory, Walid Regragui’s side finish the group stage at the top of Group A with seven points, confirming their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
El Kaabi and Diaz now sit joint-top of the provisional scoring charts with three goals each, alongside Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, as the race for the Golden Boot intensifies.
Morocco’s group-stage campaign saw a solid start with a 2-0 win over Comoros, followed by a 1-1 draw against Mali, before the emphatic success against Zambia sealed qualification.
The Atlas Lions now turn their attention to the knockout phase, where expectations remain high as Morocco look to build on home advantage and pursue continental glory in AFCON 2025.
