CAN 2025: Morocco Step Up a Gear and Dominate Zambia to Top Group A

Ibrahim Diaz and Ayyoub El Kaabi. Photo Credit: Medi1news

Rabat – CAN 2025. Morocco finally delivered a statement performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, cruising past Zambia on Monday night in Rabat. A convincing victory that sends the Lions of the Atlas to the top of Group A and restores confidence ahead of the knockout stage.

A clear sky over Rabat for the Lions of the Atlas

Just like the weather above the capital, the clouds have lifted for Morocco at CAN 2025. After a frustrating draw against Mali, Walid Regragui’s men responded in style at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, delighting a packed home crowd with intensity, control and goals.

Supporters, urged by captain Achraf Hakimi to rally behind the team, answered the call. The whistles heard in the previous match were gone, replaced by full backing for the national team, while every Zambian touch was met with pressure from the stands.

Early pressure and a deserved opening goal

Even without Hakimi in the starting lineup, Morocco wasted no time asserting their dominance. A high press and quick ball recovery allowed El Kaabi to threaten as early as the first minute. Ez Abde followed with a dangerous effort that forced Zambia’s goalkeeper Mwanza into action.

The breakthrough came quickly. From a short corner, Azzedine Ounahi delivered a perfect ball into the box, where Ayoub El Kaabi rose to power a diving header into the net (1-0, 9’). A deserved reward for Morocco’s aggressive start.

Brahim Diaz shines again

Zambia struggled to cope with Morocco’s tempo and movement. The visitors barely crossed the halfway line during the opening 20 minutes, while Brahim Diaz orchestrated the attacking play with confidence and creativity.

The Real Madrid midfielder doubled the lead with a calm finish after a precise assist from Ez Abde (2-0, 27’). With this goal, Diaz moved level with Riyad Mahrez at the top of the CAN 2025 scoring chart, tallying three goals in three matches.

Morocco nearly added a third before halftime, but Mwanza denied Diaz once again in stoppage time.

Morocco kill the suspense, Hakimi returns

After the break, the Lions of the Atlas picked up exactly where they left off. Another short corner caused confusion in the Zambian defense, and El Kaabi attempted an acrobatic finish. After a brief VAR check, the goal was validated (3-0, 53’), sealing the outcome.

The remaining suspense revolved around one man: Achraf Hakimi. Would the captain finally make his first appearance at this CAN? The answer came in the 63rd minute, as Walid Regragui introduced him to thunderous applause. The stadium erupted as Hakimi returned to action, marking a major boost for Morocco ahead of the decisive phase.

Morocco back on track before the knockout stage

After showing signs of doubt against Mali, Morocco rediscovered their attacking identity and defensive solidity. Topping Group A, the Lions of the Atlas now look ahead to the round of 16 with renewed confidence.

The real test, however, begins in 2026 with the knockout matches. A potential reunion with old rivals Benin — who famously eliminated Morocco at CAN 2019 — could await. This time, the Lions seem determined to write a different story.