Morocco storm into AFCON's knockout phase by thumping Zambia

Walid Regragui’s Morocco side ensured progression into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for a fifth consecutive tournament with a stunning 3-0 victory over Zambia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 

After a slip-up on their second outing against Mali, Morocco still had work to do to ensure progression as an automatic Group A qualifier.

They got off to a flying start when Ayoub El Kaabi fired the hosts ahead after just nine minutes, with the striker on hand to steer home Azzedine Ounahi’s looping cross into the danger area. 

One became two midway through the first half, when Brahim Diaz continued his rich vein of scoring form with his third of the tournament so far.

His late run into the box was picked out by Abde Ezzalzouli’s cutback, ensuring the host nation had a comfortable advantage at the break.

Looking to make a statement in their first group match, Morocco netted a third just after the restart, with El Kaabi adding his second of the clash.

Remarkably, for the second time this tournament, El Kaabi netted a spectacular overhead kick, and while the goal was initially ruled out by the on-field officials, a VAR check showed the attacker was played onside by a stray Zambian defender. 

With their spot in the knockouts at very little risk, Regragui was able to shuffle his pack and save some of the big guns for the upcoming matches. The game somewhat petered out as a result, with substitute Achraf Hakimi coming closest to netting a fourth.

Nevertheless, it’s a big win for the Atlas Lions, but they’ll have to wait until the conclusion of the group stage to discover who they’ll face in the last 16, as Morocco are set to come up against one of the best third-placed finishers.

Meanwhile, a goalless draw in the other group game between Comoros and Mali leaves Zambia bottom of the group and eliminated with two points.