AFCON: Regragui says Morocco solid plan worked well against Zambia

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui praised his players for a solid display against Zambia which helped secure a place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the hosts on Tuesday.

The Atlas Lions produced a commanding 3-0 win against the Chipolopolo to secure their place in the knockout stages of the AFCON. Their dominance was rewarded inside nine minutes when Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring.

The second goal arrived in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz guided a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. El Kaabi then struck again in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute to end any Zambia comeback.

Morocco looking forward to knockout stages

“We played well and had a solid plan that worked out well. It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal out qualification,” said Regragui after the game.

“We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final. We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their utmost best in every match. We look forward to the knockout stages and will continue working hard.”

Two-goal scorer Ayoub El Kaabi, who won Man of the Match, said: “We finished top of our group. That was our objective, and it means we will stay in Rabat. Now a new competition begins, where there is no room for error. We will rest a little, and above all prepare well for the next challenges.”

Morocco qualified as group winners with seven points alongside Mali, who finished second after securing a 0-0 draw against Comoros in another Group A fixture.