Africa Cup Of Nations | Monday December 29 | Group A
- Morocco 3-0 Zambia
- Mali 0-0 Comoros
Morocco brushed aside Zambia on Monday night, cruising to a convincing 3–0 win at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and sending a clear message at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Roared on by a lively home crowd, the Atlas Lions took charge from the first whistle and quickly turned dominance into reward.
Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring early, rising highest in the box to head home from close range and settle any nerves in the stands.
Morocco continued to dictate the tempo, moving the ball with ease and stretching Zambia’s defence.
Brahim Díaz, growing in confidence with every outing, doubled the lead with a composed low finish.
The goal also carried personal significance, as Díaz became only the second Moroccan to score in all three group matches at a single AFCON.
Any hope of a Zambian response after halftime was swiftly ended. El Kaabi struck again, producing a spectacular bicycle kick, his second of the tournament to make it 3–0 and bring the stadium to its feet. It was a moment that captured both his form and Morocco’s flair.
From there, the hosts played with control and maturity, seeing out the match without fuss.
The final whistle confirmed Morocco’s place in the knockout stages as Group A winners, while Zambia bowed out after a difficult campaign.
In the group’s other match, Comoros and Mali played out a goalless draw in Casablanca.
The point was enough to send Mali through in second place behind Morocco, while Comoros finished third.
With a weaker record than some other third-placed teams, their hopes of advancing now look slim.
As matchday three, day one of the AFCON 2025 group stage ends, the tournament is starting to take shape.
Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and Mali have already booked their places in the knockout stage.
