Zambia vs Morocco Match Report: Atlas Lions Finish Group Stage in Style
Morocco delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zambia 3-0 in their final Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Playing at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the tournament hosts showed their quality and control from the opening minutes to secure top spot in the group and book their place in the Round of 16.
Zambia entered the match knowing qualification was still possible, but they were unable to match Morocco’s intensity and precision. Goals from Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz proved decisive, as Morocco completed a perfect group-stage campaign while Zambia exited the tournament on goal difference.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone for Morocco
Morocco began the match with purpose and immediately asserted control over possession. The Atlas Lions pressed high up the pitch, forcing Zambia into defensive positions and limiting their ability to build attacks from the back.
The breakthrough came early in the ninth minute when Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring. The striker rose highest inside the penalty area to head Morocco into the lead, rewarding the early pressure applied by the hosts. The goal settled Morocco and increased the tempo of their passing game.
Zambia attempted to respond by tightening their defensive shape, but Morocco continued to find space between the lines. Brahim Diaz was particularly influential, drifting into pockets of space and linking play between midfield and attack. His movement caused repeated problems for the Zambian defence, which struggled to track runners consistently.
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In the 27th minute, Morocco doubled their advantage. Brahim Diaz found the net with a composed finish, continuing his impressive scoring run in the group stage. The goal reflected Morocco’s superior attacking organisation and calm decision-making in the final third.
Zambia had moments where they tried to push forward, but their efforts were largely restricted to isolated attacks. Morocco’s defensive structure remained disciplined, ensuring that Zambia could not create clear chances before the interval.
El Kaabi Seals the Win After the Break
The second half began much like the first, with Morocco dictating the rhythm of the match. Confident in possession and patient in their build-up, the hosts looked determined to extend their lead and remove any doubt about the result.
Just after the restart, Ayoub El Kaabi struck again to make it 3-0. His second goal came around the 50th minute and effectively ended the contest. The strike highlighted El Kaabi’s sharp movement and finishing ability, underlining his importance to Morocco’s attacking setup.
With a three-goal cushion, Morocco managed the game intelligently. They continued to circulate the ball efficiently while avoiding unnecessary risks. Zambia, meanwhile, found it increasingly difficult to regain momentum as Morocco controlled both possession and territory.
The introduction of Achraf Hakimi in the second half added further energy on the right side. Making his first appearance of the tournament, Hakimi provided attacking width and defensive solidity, nearly adding a fourth goal with an ambitious effort.
Morocco’s Tactical Control and Clinical Finishing
Morocco’s performance against Zambia was a clear demonstration of tactical discipline and attacking efficiency. The team maintained compact spacing between the lines, ensuring Zambia had little room to operate centrally.
In midfield, Morocco dominated second balls and transitions, allowing them to recycle possession quickly and sustain pressure. The coordination between midfielders and forwards enabled smooth progression into attacking areas, where chances were created with regularity.
Defensively, Morocco remained composed throughout the match. Zambia struggled to test the goalkeeper meaningfully, as Morocco’s back line dealt confidently with aerial balls and long passes. The overall defensive organisation allowed Morocco to keep a clean sheet without appearing under significant threat.
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The ability to convert chances proved to be the key difference. Morocco made the most of their opportunities, while Zambia were unable to capitalize on the limited chances that came their way.
Zambia’s Effort Falls Short in Decisive Group Match
Zambia entered the match with hope of progressing from the group, but the challenge posed by Morocco proved too strong. Despite showing commitment and effort, Zambia were unable to match the pace and technical quality of the hosts.
The early goal disrupted Zambia’s game plan and forced them to chase the match from the outset. As Morocco maintained possession, Zambia spent long periods defending deep in their own half, limiting their ability to launch counter-attacks.
While Zambia showed resilience and continued to compete, the lack of clear chances in attack ultimately cost them. The team struggled to break through Morocco’s defensive lines, and their elimination was confirmed by the final scoreline.
Finishing the group stage with two points, Zambia exited the tournament on goal difference, a disappointing outcome after remaining in contention until the final matchday.
Standout Performers Make the Difference
Ayoub El Kaabi was the standout performer for Morocco, scoring twice and leading the line with authority. His movement inside the penalty area and ability to finish under pressure were crucial in securing the victory.
Brahim Diaz also played a central role in Morocco’s success. His goal in the first half continued his strong form and highlighted his growing influence within the squad. Diaz’s creativity and composure added an extra dimension to Morocco’s attacking play.
Achraf Hakimi’s second-half appearance provided further balance to the team. Although he did not score, his presence offered energy and experience, reinforcing Morocco’s dominance during the closing stages.
For Zambia, the goalkeeper made several important saves, particularly in the first half, preventing the scoreline from becoming more severe before the break.
Group A Outcome and Qualification Implications
With this victory, Morocco finished top of Group A with a perfect record. The hosts advanced confidently to the Round of 16, where they will face one of the best third-placed teams from the group stage.
The result confirmed Morocco’s status as one of the tournament favourites, having combined attacking efficiency with defensive stability throughout the group phase.
Zambia, despite their efforts, were eliminated after finishing with two points. The narrow margins of tournament football proved decisive, as goal difference ultimately denied them progression to the knockout stages.
What This Result Means for Morocco Going Forward
Morocco’s convincing win over Zambia sends a strong message to the rest of the competition. The team has shown consistency, depth, and tactical clarity, all of which will be vital in the knockout rounds.
The performances of El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz provide encouragement as Morocco prepare for tougher opposition. Maintaining this balance between attack and defence will be crucial as the pressure increases in the later stages of the tournament.
Playing on home soil, Morocco will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of AFCON glory, supported by confident performances and growing belief within the squad.
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