2023 AFCON: Morocco Secure Top Spot in Group F with 1-0 Victory over Zambia

2024-01-25

San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire) – In a thrilling match at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire’s San Pedro on Wednesday, Morocco triumphed over Zambia with a score of 1-0, securing the top spot in Group F in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The victory guarantees Morocco’s qualification for the round of 16.

The decisive goal came in the 38th minute, courtesy of the talented Hakim Ziyech, who proved to be the hero for the Atlas Lions. The skillful playmaker showcased his prowess with a well-executed strike that ultimately sealed the fate of the match.

With this triumph, Morocco finishes the group stage at the pinnacle of Group F, showcasing their dominance and determination in the tournament. The team’s solid performance in the group matches sets the stage for an exciting journey into the knockout stages of the 2023 AFCON.

Looking ahead, Morocco is set to face off against South Africa, the second-placed team in Group E, in the round of 16. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for next Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. GMT+1, once again at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.

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World Cup 2026 Draw Places Morocco in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, Haiti

Morocco was drawn in Group C of the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, following Friday’s draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

The draw ceremony was attended by US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose countries are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, as well as delegations representing the qualifying countries.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be “the biggest World Cup ever organized,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on this occasion.

The 42 already qualified countries will be joined in March by six play-off winners, rounding the number of participants to 48, a first in World Cup history.

This exceptional edition of the World Cup is the first to be jointly organized by three countries and the first to bring together 48 countries, which will play a total of 104 matches, including 78 in the United States, 13 in Canada, and 13 in Mexico.

The 48 participating nations are divided into twelve groups of four teams, with the top two teams in each group qualifying directly for the round of 16. The eight best third-placed teams will complete the draw.

The opening match is scheduled for June 11 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in Greater New York.

Sixteen stadiums will host the competition’s matches (eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada).

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi Upbeat About His AFCON 2025 Participation, Canal+ Reports

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, said he was optimistic about returning to the pitch at the start of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Canal+ reported.

Morocco’s team captain, recently crowned Best African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025, shared encouraging news about his condition, expressing his hope to take part in the Atlas Lions’ opening AFCON match, the French channel reported.

“That’s good news, and it’s very impressive. He shows tremendous energy and the determination to recover 100%,” said a journalist from the channel who spoke with the PSG right-back. The journalist added that Hakimi will still need to wear his orthopedic boots for at least another ten days.

“The player thanked warmly the team surrounding him, which is a steady one. Here lies the secret of the success,” said the same source.

Highly prolific, Achraf Hakimi has built an impressive record, winning the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid, the German Super Cup with Borussia Dortmund, as well as the Italian championship with Inter Milan.

Ahead of the upcoming AFCON, which will be held in Morocco, the Atlas Lions will face the Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in the group stage on December 21, 26, and 29, respectively.

Morocco’s National Football Team Beats Mozambique in Friendly (1-0)

The Moroccan national football team won 1-0 against Mozambique in a friendly match played Friday evening at the Grand Stade de Tangier.

The only goal of the match was scored by midfielder Azzedine Ounahi in the 7th minute of the first half.

The Moroccan team will face its Ugandan counterpart in the second friendly match scheduled during this international break, on Tuesday at the Grand Stade de Tangier.

These two friendly matches are part of the national team’s preparations for its participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from December 21 to January 18.

CAF Awards 2025: Moroccan Othmane Maamaa Named Best Young Player of the Year

Moroccan Watford forward Othmane Maamaa won the Best Young Player of the Year award during the CAF Awards ceremony, held Wednesday in Rabat.

Maamaa had previously been named Best Player at the U20 World Cup held last October in Chile, which was won by the Atlas Lion Cubs.

CAF Awards: Moroccan Yassine Bounou Named Best Goalkeeper of 2025

The Moroccan national team goalkeeper and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) player, Yassine Bounou, was named Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for 2025 during the CAF Awards ceremony held Wednesday in Rabat.

Recognized for his outstanding performances with the Atlas Lions, Bounou was also selected in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI, held last summer in the United States.

CAF Awards 2025: Moroccan International Achraf Hakimi Named African Player of the Year

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi was named African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony, held Wednesday evening in Rabat.

In 2025, Hakimi won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Super Cup.

He was also a key figure in the remarkable qualification of the Atlas Lions for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Liverpool forward, and Nigerian Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray striker, were also contenders for the African Player of the Year award.

The award was presented to Hakimi by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Wednesday 10 December 2025