Morocco sealed qualification for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia in their final Group A match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The win confirmed the Atlas Lions’ progression to the last 16 for a fifth consecutive tournament and eased pressure on head coach Walid Regragui after a setback earlier in the group stage.
The hosts made a strong start, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Ayoub El Kaabi finished from close range after connecting with a cross from Azzedine Ounahi.
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Morocco doubled their advantage before half-time through Brahim Diaz, who continued his fine form at the tournament by scoring his third goal after latching onto Abde Ezzalzouli’s cutback.
El Kaabi wrapped up the victory shortly after the restart with an acrobatic overhead kick. Although the goal was initially disallowed, a VAR review overturned the decision after confirming the striker was played onside by a Zambian defender.
With qualification secured, Regragui rotated his squad in the latter stages as Morocco comfortably saw out the match. Substitute Achraf Hakimi came closest to adding a fourth goal.
The result leaves Morocco awaiting confirmation of their opponents in the round of 16, where they are set to face one of the best third-placed teams from the group stage.
In the other Group A fixture, Comoros and Mali played out a goalless draw, a result that confirmed Zambia’s elimination after finishing bottom of the group with two points.