Host nation Morocco finally lived up to their billing at AFCON 2025, producing a commanding performance to defeat Zambia 3-0 on Monday and finish top of Group A, sealing their place in the Round of 16 in style.
Ayoub El Kaabi struck twice — including a spectacular overhead kick — while Brahim Diaz added his third goal of the tournament as Morocco wrapped up the group with seven points. Mali joined the hosts in the knockout stage after playing out a goalless draw with Comoros.
After a nervy opening win over Comoros and an uninspiring draw against Mali, Morocco looked sharp and ruthless from the outset. El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a powerful diving header, before Diaz swept home from close range midway through the first half. El Kaabi then capped the night with a stunning bicycle kick, confirmed by VAR after an initial offside call.
There was also a warm reception for captain Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, who returned from injury as a second-half substitute to loud applause from the Rabat crowd.
The defeat eliminated Zambia, who finished bottom of Group A with two points, behind Comoros on goal difference.
How Qualification Was Decided
AFCON 2025 features 24 teams divided into six groups, with 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage. The top two teams from each group qualify automatically, along with the four best third-placed teams across all groups.
In Group A, Morocco (7 points) and Mali (3 points) progressed as the top two sides. Comoros, who finished third with two points, remained in contention and qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams due to a superior goal difference. Zambia, also on two points, were eliminated because of an inferior goal difference.
Third-placed teams are ranked based on points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head record, ensuring that strong teams from competitive groups still have a pathway into the Round of 16.
South Africa Also Through
South Africa joined Morocco in the knockout stage after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B. Oswin Appollis scored the decisive goal as Bafana Bafana finished second behind Egypt.
Egypt, already assured of qualification, were held to a 0-0 draw by Angola after resting key players including Mohamed Salah.
With the group stage nearing completion, several teams — including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Congo, Benin and Mozambique — have already secured their places in the knockouts.
Morocco’s emphatic win sends a strong message to their rivals as the hosts stay on course to play all their knockout matches in Rabat, including the final on January 18.
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