Ayoub El Kaabi delivered a standout performance as Morocco eased to a 3–0 win over Zambia to clinch top spot in Group A at AFCON 2025.
The Atlas Lions started on the front foot in front of their home supporters, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence. Their early intent paid off inside nine minutes when a smart short corner routine allowed Azzedine Ounahi to float a teasing cross to the back post, where El Kaabi rose uncontested to head in the opener.
Morocco doubled their advantage midway through the first half, again with Ounahi at the heart of the move. The midfielder slipped a precise pass down the left to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose driven cross skipped past El Kaabi but fell perfectly for Brahim Diaz to calmly guide a left-footed finish beyond Toaster Nsabata Mwanza.
After the break, Morocco kept their tempo high and killed off any Zambian hope.
Another rehearsed set-piece saw Ounahi clip the ball into the box, and El Kaabi produced a spectacular bicycle kick from close range, a strike eventually confirmed by VAR to seal his brace and Man of the Match honours as Morocco finished the group on seven points.
