Morocco left no room for doubt as they swept aside Zambia 3–0, sealing top spot in Group A and sending a clear message to the rest of the field about their AFCON 2025 title ambitions.
Complete dominance from the first whistle
From kickoff, the Atlas Lions imposed themselves with authority. High-intensity pressing, crisp passing and intelligent use of width allowed Morocco to dictate the tempo and lock Zambia deep inside their own half.
The statistics reflected the one-sided nature of the contest. Morocco enjoyed over 70 percent possession, camped around the Zambian penalty area and exercised total territorial control for long spells.
The deadlock was broken in the 9th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi reacted quickest in the box, converting a precise delivery from Azzedine Ounahi after a cleverly worked set piece. The opener only tightened Morocco’s grip, as Zambia struggled to find an escape route from the sustained pressure.
Morocco’s dominance was rewarded again just before the interval. Brahim Díaz finished off a fluid attacking move with calm assurance, doubling the advantage and ensuring the Atlas Lions went into the break firmly in control.
By halftime, the gulf between both sides was evident — Morocco led in possession, chances created and overall rhythm, while Zambia offered little threat in the final third.
The second half followed the same pattern, with Morocco managing proceedings expertly. The result was put beyond doubt when El Kaabi completed his brace in spectacular fashion, producing an acrobatic overhead kick to make it 3–0.
It was a moment of pure quality that perfectly captured Morocco’s dominance on the night.
Morocco march on, Zambia eliminated
The victory saw Morocco finish Group A as outright leaders with seven points, unbeaten and full of confidence heading into the knockout rounds.
For Zambia, the defeat confirmed their exit from the tournament. They concluded the group stage on two points, with no route forward as one of the best third-placed teams.
