The hosts, Morocco, delivered a commanding performance on Monday, December 29, 2025, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Zambia to clinch the top spot in Group A and advance to the knockout stages of the AFCON 2025 tournament. The result simultaneously ended the 2012 champions, Zambia's, run in the competition. The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium saw the Atlas Lions, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, finally hit their stride after a slightly nervy start to the tournament, which included a 1-1 draw with Mali last Friday. This win showcased their potential as tournament favorites, combining defensive solidity with clinical attacking authority. A Tale of Two Strikers: El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz Shine Morocco's victory was spearheaded by a brace from striker Ayoub El Kaabi and another goal from the influential Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz, who has now scored in all three group games. El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, powering home a header from an Azzedine Ounahi dinked pass after a short corner routine. His second, and Morocco's third, was a spectacular, acrobatic bicycle kick early in the second half that was initially ruled out for offside but confirmed by VAR, marking his second such goal of the tournament. Díaz, a constant menace to the Zambian defense, doubled the lead in the 27th minute, timing his run perfectly to sweep home a low cross from Abde Ezzalzouli.
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Tactical Dominance and Zambian Disappointment Morocco's dominance was comprehensive. They controlled 57% possession, registered 19 shots (nine on target), and gave very little away defensively. In stark contrast, Zambia, known as the Chipolopolo, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match, a statistic that underscores the hosts' stranglehold on the game. Zambia's campaign ended with just two points and one goal scored in the tournament, leaving the Zambian government and fans disappointed with the senior team's average performance. Head coach Moses Sichone, who took over after Avram Grant's dismissal in October, was left to reflect on a tournament where his side struggled for form after an impressive qualifying campaign. "It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal our qualification," said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, emphasizing the team's professional approach. The Road Ahead As Group A winners, Morocco (seven points) will enjoy the advantage of remaining in Rabat for their Round of 16 clash on Sunday, January 4, 2026, where they will face one of the best third-placed finishers. Mali also advanced as runners-up (three points) after a goalless draw with Comoros in the group's other match, while Comoros and Zambia were eliminated. The Atlas Lions' convincing performance serves as a stern warning to their knockout-stage opponents, confirming their status as genuine title contenders on home soil.
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