SOCCER: Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco in convincing form as they dispatch Zambia

Morocco forward Ayoub El Kaabi scored twice, while midfield maestro Brahim Diaz added another, as the Africa Cup of Nations hosts delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Zambia on Monday to secure the top spot in Group A.

El Kaabi opened the scoring with a powerful header early in the match and later completed a trademark bicycle kick, while Diaz continued his scoring streak, netting in his third consecutive game. Morocco finished the group stage with seven points, ahead of second-placed Mali with three.

After a slow start to the tournament, including a nervy win over Comoros and a 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday, Morocco finally looked like the favorites many expected them to be in the 24-team competition.

Zambia, meanwhile, were eliminated after finishing bottom of the group with two points, just behind Comoros on goal difference.

Morocco dominated from the outset. Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza was tested within 12 seconds and again made a point-blank save in the sixth minute to deny Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. But he could not stop El Kaabi’s diving header in the ninth minute, as the striker outmaneuvered three defenders to score from a corner.

El Kaabi nearly added a second in the 27th minute but missed Ezzalzouli’s cross. Diaz timed his run perfectly to strike home with his left foot, giving Morocco a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Diaz was a constant threat throughout the match, orchestrating most of Morocco’s attacks and delighting fans with his skill and trickery.

El Kaabi’s second goal was a spectacular overhead kick from a ball over the top of Zambia’s defense. Initially flagged offside, VAR confirmed the striker was onside when the ball was delivered.

“It was not an easy match, but thanks to a well-thought-out game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal our qualification,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

“We are the home team, so we must always play every game as a final. Our crowd is very supportive, and that’s why the players give their best in every match,” he added.

Hakimi Returns to Action

Morocco captain and recently crowned African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi made a highly anticipated return in the 64th minute, coming on as a substitute to enthusiastic applause. This marked his first outing since an ankle injury in the Champions League nearly eight weeks ago.

Hakimi’s participation in the tournament had been uncertain, but his swift recovery drew praise from his coach for his dedication during rehabilitation. The Paris Saint-Germain right back nearly scored a fairytale goal in the 81st minute, with a delicate strike that seemed destined for the net before Mwanza made a full-stretch save.

Morocco will now await the identity of their Round of 16 opponent this weekend, which will be one of the four best third-placed teams.

Writing by Mark Gleeson in Rabat; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters