Morocco confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Zambia, while Mali also progressed from Group A after a goalless draw with Comoros.
The Atlas Lions entered the final group game knowing there was still work to do following a slip-up against Mali in their previous outing, but they left no room for doubt at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Ayoub El Kaabi set the tone early, steering home Azzedine Ounahi’s looping cross after just nine minutes to put the hosts in front.
Brahim Diaz. Photo Credit: AFP
Morocco doubled their advantage midway through the first half as Brahim Díaz continued his scoring form, timing his run into the box perfectly to convert Abde Ezzalzouli’s cutback and give Walid Regragui’s side a comfortable cushion at the interval.
Any lingering uncertainty was removed shortly after the restart when El Kaabi struck again. His spectacular overhead kick was initially ruled out, but a VAR review confirmed the forward had been played onside by a Zambian defender, allowing the goal to stand and sealing a dominant display.
With qualification assured, Regragui rotated his squad as the contest lost intensity, although substitute Achraf Hakimi came closest to adding a fourth. The result leaves Morocco through to the knockout phase, where they will face one of the best third-placed teams.
Elsewhere in Group A, Mali secured their progression after playing out a 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca. The Eagles survived an early scare when Faiz Selemani’s corner almost found its way in, but goalkeeper Djigui Diarra reacted well to keep it out.
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Mali controlled large spells of the first half, with Kamory Doumbia and Yves Bissouma both testing Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor from distance. The pressure continued after the break, Nathan Gassama driving a dangerous ball across the face of goal that Doumbia narrowly diverted wide.
Photo Credit: AFP
Comoros, knowing a goal could change their fate, came closest through substitute El Fardou Ben, whose effort forced Diarra into a sharp save. Even after Mali were reduced to 10 men following Amadou Haidara’s red card for a reckless challenge, Comoros were unable to find the breakthrough they needed.
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The stalemate leaves Comoros finishing third in the group, while Mali advance safely into the knockout stage alongside Morocco, as Zambia are eliminated after finishing bottom following their defeat in Rabat.
