Hosts of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco, ended their group A campaign on top by defeating Zambia 3-0 at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Monday, Afrosport reports.
The Atlas Lions first defeated Comoros in their opener, 2-0, before drawing 1-1 with Mali.
The North African giants wasted no time in setting things in motion in Rabat, with Ayoub El Kaabi netting his second goal of the tournament in the ninth minute.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz got his name on the scoresheet in the 27th minute for his third goal in as many games in the competition and his 10th goal since he switched allegiance from Spain.
Morocco remained in control of the contest and still had time for one more through El Kaabi to extend his tally to three goals at AFCON 2025 and 31 goals for the Lions.
The game saw captain Achraf Hakimi make his first appearance after nursing an ankle injury, coming on for Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui in the 64th minute.
Round of 16 | Spot 05. 🇲🇦
Morocco qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/B3G0HmgulX
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 29, 2025
Morocco finished at the top with seven points, four clear of Mali, who drew 0-0 with Comoros and ended with 10 men after substitute Amadou Haidara was given a straight red card for a dangerous foul in the 88th minute.
Comoros finished third with two points, while Zambia finished bottom with the same number of points.
