Morocco thrash Zambia to march into 1XBET AFCON last 16

By 1xBet

Host nation Morocco booked their place in the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage in emphatic fashion after dismantling Zambia 3-0 on Monday.

Roared on by a partisan crowd, Morocco dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, combining tactical discipline with ruthless efficiency to overwhelm their opponents.

The result confirmed Morocco’s progression with authority and reinforced expectations of a deep tournament run.

The breakthrough arrived early when Ayoub El Kaabi rose unchallenged to head home from close range, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Morocco’s control in midfield, orchestrated by Azzedine Ounahi, repeatedly stretched Zambia’s defensive lines and created waves of pressure.

Zambia struggled to cope with the hosts’ tempo and movement, and the second goal soon followed. Brahim Díaz capitalised on poor marking inside the box, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Willard Mwanza to double the advantage and leave the Chipolopolo chasing shadows.

Any hopes of a Zambian revival were extinguished shortly after the interval when El Kaabi struck again, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a set-piece situation to make it 3–0. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, triggering jubilant celebrations among the home supporters.

Morocco thereafter managed the game with composure, rotating key players and maintaining defensive solidity to preserve a clean sheet.

Zambia, despite moments of endeavour, were unable to breach the well-organised Moroccan back line.

The win propels Morocco into the knockout rounds of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations, sending a clear warning to potential rivals. For the hosts, confidence is building at the perfect moment as the tournament enters its decisive phase.