AFCON: Díaz and El Kaabi dazzle again as Morocco eliminates Zambia

2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco were in full flight on Monday to produce a 3-0 victory over Zambia, eliminating Chipolopolo from the tournament on the final day of action from Group A.

First half goals from Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz confirmed a decisive two-goal halftime lead. El Kaabi’s stunning overhead kick early in the second half, his second goal of the tournament in that manner, put the hosts far beyond reach while confirming Zambia’s elimination from the tournament.

The Atlas Lions were relentless from the kickoff. With intricate passing, fluid team movements and persistent pressing, the hosts dominated early and often with the opening goal arriving in the 9th minute. A short corner kick found Azzedine Ounahi, who cushioned a perfect cross to the middle of the six-yard box for El Kaabi to finish with his head.

Zambia managed to settle into the match a bit after being under siege for the opening quarter hour. However, the quality was too great from the Atlas Lions who struck again before thirty minutes when Abde Ezzalzouli got free on the left wing and crossed low for Díaz to finish with a first-time strike.

It was more dominance from the hosts in the second half but El Kaabi provided a highlight-reel moment for observers in the 50th minute. A free kick on the left wing was played short and Ounahi floated a pass over the top of the defense to find the striker, who was wide open to execute his overhead kick to perfection past Chipolopolo goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

Morocco will now prepare for their Round of 16 clash on January 4 in Rabat. The Atlas Lions will face one of the best third place teams from Group C, D or E depending on results over the next two days.

Zambia now join fellow COSAFA (Southern African) nations Zimbabwe and Comoros as the first teams to be eliminated from the competition. Despite holding Group A runners-up Mali to a 0-0 draw to move ahead of Chipolopolo in the other match played simultaneously on Monday, Comoros were eliminated as well while Group A third place finishers Angola’s hopes of advancing remain.

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