Host nation Morocco delivered a statement performance on Monday, sweeping Zambia aside with a convincing 3-0 victory in Rabat to secure top spot in Group A and storm into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
El Kaabi Double Inspires Hosts
The Atlas Lions, who had looked tentative in their earlier group matches, finally showcased the form that has made them tournament favourites. The forward Ayoub El Kaabi was the star, netting a first-half brace. He opened the scoring with a powerful early header before sealing the win in spectacular fashion, connecting with a perfectly executed bicycle kick to score Morocco's third goal.
The midfield maestro Brahim Díaz continued his fine personal tournament, adding the second goal for his third strike in as many games. The comprehensive win meant Morocco finished the group stage with a perfect seven points.
Hakimi Return and Group A Conclusion
The match also marked a welcome return for captain Achraf Hakimi. The recently crowned African Footballer of the Year came on as a 64th-minute substitute to great acclaim, making his first appearance since an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League almost eight weeks ago. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back came agonisingly close to capping his return with a goal, but his clever effort was superbly saved by Zambia's Willard Mwanza.
The defeat confirmed Zambia's elimination from the competition, as they finished bottom of Group A with just two points. In the group's other simultaneous fixture, Mali played out a tepid 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca. That single point was enough for Mali to finish second and join Morocco in the knockout phase, while Comoros were eliminated. Mali will be without Amadou Haidara for their next match after he received a late red card.
Drama in Group B as South Africa Advance
Elsewhere, Group B concluded with high drama in Marrakech. South Africa sealed their place in the last 16 with a narrow 3-2 victory over rivals Zimbabwe. The win, earned by a late Oswin Appollis penalty, confirmed second place in the group for Bafana Bafana with six points.
South Africa led three times through Tshepang Moremi's first international goal, a strike from Lyle Foster, and Appollis's spot-kick. However, Zimbabwe fought back relentlessly, equalising twice via a superb individual effort from Tawanda Maswanhise and an Aubrey Modiba own goal, but ultimately fell short.
Egypt, having already secured top spot, rested key players like Mohamed Salah and drew 0-0 with Angola. The Pharaohs finish the group stage unbeaten. Angola's two-point haul leaves them in third place, facing an anxious wait to see if it is enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
The result means Morocco will head into the knockout rounds with significant momentum, having answered their critics with a dominant display led by the irrepressible Ayoub El Kaabi.
