Ayoub El Kaabi struck twice on Monday night as Morocco sealed a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia in their final group-stage match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, booking their place in the Round of 16 in emphatic fashion.
The Atlas Lions wasted little time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the ninth minute when El Kaabi raced onto a well-weighted lofted pass from Azzedine Ounahi and guided a close-range header into the left corner of the net.
Morocco doubled their advantage midway through the first half through a moment of quality from Brahim Diaz. After being picked out inside the penalty area by Abde Ezzalzouli, the midfielder calmly dispatched a first-time effort past goalkeeper Willard Mwanza to make it 2-0.
El Kaabi completed his brace shortly after the restart with a goal that summed up Morocco’s attacking intent. The striker attempted an acrobatic scissor kick after connecting with a free kick delivery inside the box, and although the effort appeared misjudged, the ball still found its way past the goalkeeper.
Ayoub felt it before we all did. 🤩🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/wi3tiMhC2Y
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 29, 2025
Following a brief VAR check, referee Issa Sy pointed to the centre circle to confirm the goal, sparking wild celebrations from the Moroccan forward.
The dominant display capped a strong group-stage campaign for Morocco and confirmed their progression to the knockout phase, while Zambia were left with no response as the hosts cruised into the Round of 16.
