AFCON: Morocco secures top spot in Group A with convincing win over Zambia

Hosts Morocco strengthened their position at the top of Group A in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a dominant 3-0 victory over Zambia, marked by the return of captain Achraf Hakimi from injury, Sport360NG reports.

The Atlas Lions, who held just a two-point lead over second-placed Mali after their first two matches, started brightly in Rabat. Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring in the ninth minute, heading home from a cleverly worked short-corner routine.

Midway through the first half, Brahim Diaz doubled the advantage, slotting in Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross for his third goal of the tournament. El Kaabi then completed Morocco’s commanding performance early in the second half with a spectacular bicycle kick, confirmed onside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Hakimi, returning from nearly two months out with an ankle injury, was introduced shortly after the hour mark, providing a fresh spark on the right flank. The Paris Saint-Germain star nearly added to Morocco’s tally with nine minutes remaining, only for his low strike to be saved by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

With the win, Morocco remains unbeaten in 23 matches, dating back to their last-16 exit in the 2023 Afcon, and will stay in Rabat to face a third-placed team from Group C, D, or E in the last 16 on Sunday, 4 January.

Zambia, by contrast, exit the tournament without a win, extending their Afcon winless streak to 13 games. The Chipolopolo, who had draws against Mali and Comoros in the group stage, struggled without captain Fashion Sakala, absent due to illness, and failed to test Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou throughout the match.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui, under pressure from fans over the team’s performances despite remaining unbeaten, will take comfort in securing top spot in Group A, a potentially crucial advantage in their pursuit of a second Afcon title since 1976.

Zambia coach Moses Sichone, who had previously worked as assistant under Avram Grant, will reflect on a tournament in which his side managed just one goal, highlighting the team’s struggles since their last major triumph at the 2012 Afcon in Gabon.