Host nation Morocco booked their spot in the round of 16 at the ongoing African Cup of Nations with a commanding 3-0 win over Zambia in their final group match on Monday night, SportPremi Reports.
Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of the show with two goals to take his tally to three for the tournament, while Brahim Diaz also netted his third goal in as many matches.
The Atlas Lions sealed the win as they progressed to the next round of their home competition, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
First half: El Kaabi and Diaz give host nation advantage
Morocco needed just a point to secure qualification for the next round, while Zambia needed a win, but could still qualify for the next round with a draw.
Achraf Hakimi was once again left on the bench for a third straight game, despite being passed fit to start ahead of the clash.
They took the lead just nine minutes into the clash when El Kaabi beat Mwanza with a precise header.
The lead was doubled in the 27th minute as Brahim Diaz netted his third goal of the tournament to send Morocco halfway through to the next round as group leaders.
The Real Madrid star could have had a second before halftime, but his first effort was wide of the target while his second effort was then saved by Mwanza as Morocco took a two-goal advantage into the break.
Second half: El Kaabi nets second as Morocco complete win
Morocco started the second half brightly and scored another early goal through the same combination that got the first goal.
Azzedine Ounahi provided the assist for El Kaabi who scored with a superb bicycle kick to score their third goal of the game.
The goal survived a VAR check before it was given and it was El Kaabi’s second bicycle kick goal of the tournament, following his goal in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Comoros on opening day.
Hakimi came on after the hour mark for his first appearance of the tournament in another positive news for the home side and was denied a goal late in the game by a brilliant save by Mwanza.
They held on for a comfortable win as they advanced to the next stage of the competition.
Players Ratings:
Zambia Players Ratings
- Mwanza – 7.0/10
- Banda – 6.1/10
- Chongo – 5.8/10
- Chanda – 5.3/10
- Hamansenya – 5.7/10
- Sakala – 5.8/10
- Liteta – 5.8/10
- Musonda – 5.8/10
- Chaiwa – 6.4/10
- Kangwa – 6.2/10
- Daka – 5.9/10
Substitutes
- Mandanji – 6.2/10
- Banda – 6.9/10
- Sabobo – 6.3/10
- Kalusa – 6.3/10
- Chisala – 6.1/10
Morocco Players Ratings
- Bounou – 6.9/10
- Mazraoui – 7.8/10
- Masina – 6.9/10
- Aguerd – 7.3/10
- Chibi – 7.1/10
- Ounahi – 8.6/10
- El Aynaoui – 7.0/10
- Ezzalzouli – 8.4/10
- Saibari – 7.8/10
- Diaz – 8.0/10
- El Kaabi – 8.7/10
Substitutes
- Hakimi – 6.8/10
- Ben Seghir – 6.2/10
- Akhomach – 6.6/10
- Talbi – 6.1/10
- En-Nesyri – 6.8/10
Man of the match
Ayoub El Kaabi (8.7/10) – The forward netted two goals on the night to take his tally to three at the tournament.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Zambia 43% – 57% Morocco
Total Shots: Zambia 5 – 19 Morocco
Shots on target: Zambia 0 – 9 Morocco
Pass Accuracy: Zambia 84% – 89% Morocco
Corners: Zambia 1 – 5 Morocco
What Next?
Morocco finished top of Group A with the win and will now face Benin Republic or Sudan in the round of 16 of the competition.
