AFCON 2025: Morocco Beat Zambia To Lead Group

 

Morocco have technically qualified for the next round of the AFCON Cup after defeating Zambia 3-0, with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring a brace. 

Morocco continued their unbeaten run through 22 international games and are leading Group A with seven points. Conversely, for Zambia, they are technically out of the tournament. Zambia have been winless in 13 consecutive matches, the longest for a former champion of the AFCON Cup. 

El Kaabi scored the first goal with a header following a corner. Brahim Diqz made it 2-0 when Abde Ezzalzouli's cross landed on his path in the centre box. 

Morocco added the third in the second period. El Kaabi scored with an overhead following a free-kick from Azzedine Ounahi. Initially, the goal was ruled offside by the assistant referee but upheld after the VAR ruled otherwise. 

El Kaabi brought his international goal tally to 32. He has the highest international goals for Morocco, followed by Hakim Ziyech. In addition, Brahim Diaz scored in all the group stage matches, making him the first Moroccan to do so in an AFCON Cup tournament. 

Overview 

The Zambians were tactically weak both at the front and in defense. They lose possessions easily enough for Morocco to take advantage of. The Moroccan did not dominate the game overwhelmingly either. 

El Kaabi had the first shot on target. He was the key figure for Morocco. The Zambians were not embarrassed possession-wise. However, they barely caused a scare, having no shot on target throughout. 

Moments of Spectacle

Given Kalusa, 17, made his first international debut in the AFCON Cup, replacing Kings Kangwa in the 79th minute. He had his first shot, missing the goal for the side netting. 

Hakimi's closest moment to getting a goal was saved by Mwanza. The defender poked a low-cut shot down the bottom, but the effort was stopped by the goalkeeper.