David GOMBE
Morocco had a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia on Monday night to finish top of Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The hosts dominance was rewarded inside nine minutes when Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring. A cleverly worked short corner from the right saw Azzedine Ounahi float an inviting delivery to the far post, where El Kaabi rose unchallenged to head home from close range.
The second goal arrived in the 27th minute, once again highlighting Ounahi’s creative influence. The midfielder slipped a perfectly weighted pass down the left to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose low cross evaded El Kaabi but fell invitingly to Brahim Diaz. The winger showed composure to guide a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata Mwanza, doubling the lead before half-time.
Any hope of a Zambian response was extinguished shortly after the interval. Morocco resumed with the same attacking intent, and El Kaabi struck again in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute.
From another short free-kick routine, Ounahi clipped the ball into the box, where El Kaabi improvised brilliantly, executing an acrobatic bicycle kick with his back to goal. Although initially flagged offside, VAR intervened to confirm the goal, sealing both his brace and the result.
The victory sees Atlas Lions finish the group stage with seven points, securing first place ahead of Mali, who also progress after a goalless draw with Comoros.