Hosts Morocco produced a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia on Monday, December 29th, 2025 night to finish top of Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Their dominance was rewarded inside nine minutes when Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring before midfielder Azzedine Ounahi slipped a pass down the left to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose low cross evaded El Kaabi but fell invitingly to Brahim Diaz.
The Spanish La Liga record breaking side Real Madrid winger showed composure to guide a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata Mwanza, doubling the lead before half-time.
El Kaabi who plays as a striker for Super League Greece club Olympiacos completed the rout by executing an acrobatic bicycle kick with his back to goa in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute.
Although initially flagged offside, VAR intervened to confirm the goal, sealing both his brace and the result.
The victory sees Walid Regragui’s side finish the group stage with seven points, securing first place ahead of Mali, who also progress after a goalless draw with Comoros.
Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi who was picked as the TotalEnergies Man of the Match said: “We finished top of our group. That was our objective, and it means we will stay in Rabat. Now a new competition begins, where there is no room for error. We will rest a little, and above all prepare well for the next challenges.”
“A hard day for us on how the day went. It is a hard day for us because we prepared so much for this match. Morocco capitalised on the lack of confidence and this is unfortunately the outcome,” said Moses Sichone – Zambia Coach.
