After a prolonged absence due to a knee injury sustained against Bayern Munich on 5 November, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi made a much-anticipated return to the pitch, delighting Moroccan fans. His comeback coincided with a commanding performance by Morocco, who secured a decisive victory over Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The encounter, held at the raucous Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended 3-0 in Morocco’s favour. Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of the evening, netting a brace including a spectacular bicycle kick. Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz contributed the other goal, adding to Morocco’s emphatic display.
With this win, the tournament hosts topped Group A and booked their place in the round of sixteen. Morocco accumulated seven points from three matches, achieving two wins and one draw. Group runners-up Mali, with three draws from three games, also advanced, while Comoros finished third.
| Group A Standings | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| Mali | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Zambia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Comoros | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
The scoring began early, in the ninth minute, when El Kaabi opened the account with a clinical diving header from a corner delivered by Azzedine Ounahi, leaving Zambia’s goalkeeper Willard Mwandza helpless. In the 27th minute, Diaz doubled Morocco’s advantage with a precise strike inside the box, following a cross from Abde Ezzalzouli.
Ezzalzouli, the Real Betis winger, provided Morocco with a new dimension in attack. His chemistry with Diaz, a former Barcelona player, was evident throughout the first half. Just five minutes after the break, El Kaabi completed his brace with another acrobatic effort, converting Ounahi’s cross with a spectacular backward leap, sending the stadium into celebration.
Hakimi entered the field in the 64th minute as a substitute for Noussair Mazraoui. The atmosphere erupted in applause, and he immediately showcased his dynamism, providing a significant boost to coach Walid Regragui’s side.
Morocco, as Group A champions, will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups C, D, or E on 4 January in Rabat.
In other group action, Mali overcame late pressure to advance with five points despite a controversial red card for Amadou Haidara, while Comoros finished third with two points. In Group B, Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola but still topped the group, and South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3-2 to reach the knockout stage.
