Morocco Secures Top Spot in Afcon Group A with Victory Over Zambia
Hosts Morocco secured their place at the top of Group A in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a decisive victory over Zambia, marking the return of captain Achraf Hakimi from injury.
The Atlas Lions, who had only a two-point lead over second-placed Mali after gathering four points from their initial two matches, began the game with determination in Rabat. Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a header following a short corner routine.
Brahim Diaz doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing off a low cross from Abde Ezzalzouli for his third goal of the tournament.
El Kaabi then scored a spectacular bicycle kick five minutes into the second half, a goal confirmed as onside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, bringing the score to 3-0.
Morocco, in pursuit of their first Afcon title since 1976, had the luxury of bringing on influential Paris Saint-Germain right-back Hakimi just after the hour mark, following nearly two months out due to an ankle injury.
Hakimi nearly added to the scoreline with a low shot that was saved by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Willard Mwanza nine minutes from the end.
Walid Regragui's team will remain in the capital to face the third-placed team from Group C, D, or E on Sunday, January 4, at 16:00 GMT.
Results from Group A and Group B on Monday have assured that Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique will advance to the last 16 ahead of their final matches.
Meanwhile, Zambia exits the tournament, extending their winless streak at the Afcon finals to 13 matches—a run that dates back to their semi-final victory over Ghana prior to their memorable triumph in Gabon in 2012.
Hakimi's Return Boosts Atlas Lions
Morocco had already positioned themselves effectively for the knockout stage, following a 2-0 victory over Comoros and a 1-1 draw with Mali. However, Regragui faced criticism from an expectant fanbase regarding the team's performances, making the securing of the top spot vital for their aspirations to become Afcon champions for only the second time.
The match unfolded as planned, and the return of reigning African Footballer of the Year Hakimi provided an added boost to the Atlas Lions, who have now extended their unbeaten streak to 23 games since their last-16 exit at the 2023 finals.
El Kaabi and Ezzalzouli both came close to scoring before El Kaabi converted a cross from Azzedine Ounahi, holding off Zambia defender Kabaso Chonga inside the six-yard box.
With Real Madrid's Diaz again playing a pivotal role, the second goal was imminent. It came after Ounahi, instrumental in many of Morocco's key moments, sent Ezzalzouli down the left flank.
Diaz nearly added another goal before halftime, forcing Mwanza into a save, but El Kaabi secured his second overhead kick goal of the tournament to extend the lead.
Zambia entered the match with hopes of reaching the last 16 on the back of draws against Mali and Comoros, but with captain Fashion Sakala absent due to illness, the Chipolopolo failed to register a single shot on target.
Zambia's coach Moses Sichone, who previously served as an assistant to Avram Grant before the latter's dismissal in October, will reflect on a tournament in which his team managed only one goal. Despite finishing ahead of defending champions Ivory Coast in their qualifying group, their form has faltered this year, with their only victory in 2025 coming against Tanzania during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October.