AFCON 2025 (Day3): Morocco Advances to Round of 16 Atop Group A Following Victory over Zambia 3-0

The Atlas Lions’ goal was scored by Brahim Diaz from the penalty spot in stoppage time of the first half (45’ +5). From the same spot, Lassine Sinayoko equalized for Mali in the 64th minute of play.

The draw allows the Atlas Lions to remain top of their group with four points, followed by Zambia and Mali with two points each, while Comoros sit bottom with one point.

In the third and final round, Walid Regragui’s men will face Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Monday (8:00 p.m. local time) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with a place in the round of 16 at stake.

Ayoub El Kaabi opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions in the 9th minute of play, before Brahim Diaz doubled the lead (27′). El Kaabi made it three, scoring with another acrobatic overhead kick.

Thanks to this victory, Morocco finishes the group stage at the top of the table with 7 points.

El Kaabi and Diaz join Riyad Mahrez at the lead of the temporary scoring charts with three goals each.

On the first and second matchdays, Walid Regragui’s men beat Comoros 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Mali.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s clash against Zambia, scheduled for 8 p.m. at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as part of Matchday 3 in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Regragui stated: “We have the opportunity to secure first place against Zambia and stay in Rabat, which is our primary objective,” adding that the squad “will continue to improve.”

“I have full confidence in this group, which is truly united. We know what we need to do to keep progressing, while understanding that we have to suffer in order to perform and grow,” he stressed.

The national coach also highlighted that “we have gained a lot in terms of mindset within the national team.”

In this regard, he noted that “we are doing our job to make our supporters happy,” pointing out that criticism can also be “beneficial in helping us improve and perform at a higher level.”

Regarding Achraf Hakimi’s availability for the Zambia match, Regragui confirmed: “What is certain is that Achraf Hakimi will play tomorrow.”

“We will decide whether he starts or not, but it will definitely be his first appearance at this AFCON,” he added.

Morocco currently tops Group A with four points, followed closely by Mali and Zambia with two points each, while Comoros sit bottom with one point.

Mali and Comoros will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s face-off at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Regragui said: “We don’t yet know whether Hakimi will start or come on as a substitute, but he will be involved.”

The national coach stressed that “no manager can do without his best player, and for us that player is Achraf Hakimi, who has been delivering outstanding performances.” He added that “our plan regarding Hakimi has worked well, and the national team will be stronger with his return.”

Regragui also highlighted Hakimi’s leadership role, noting that “Achraf is more than just a leader and team captain. He’s a key figure in the locker room alongside other senior players.” He described him as “a role model who lifts everyone around him.”

For his part, Hakimi said he is feeling fit after following a solid recovery program and is eager to rejoin the squad and play against Zambia.

“I’m ready to begin my AFCON campaign and to win the tournament,” Hakimi stated, while emphasizing that the final decision rests with the coach.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Morocco’s clash with Zambia, scheduled for Monday (8 p.m.) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as part of Matchday 3 of Group A, the PSG star said he is expecting a tough encounter.

“There are no easy games anymore. We must respect every team and give everything in each match,” Hakimi underlined.

In this regard, the African Ballon d’Or winner expressed confidence in the Atlas Lions’ ability to secure victory and maintain top spot in the group.

Reflecting on the previous draw against Mali (1-1), Hakimi noted that Morocco delivered a solid performance against a side featuring players competing at the highest level.

“Morocco is a great football nation. We know we have to improve, and to do that, we need everyone,” Hakimi concluded.

MAP: 28 December 2025

“Mali have one of the best teams in Africa and a strong desire to win. It will be a real battle. Our objective is to secure all three points and qualify for the Round of 16,” Regragui said during a press conference ahead of the match, scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m. local time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

“After our 2–0 win over Comoros in the opening match, we are now getting into the heart of the competition against a Malian side we’re very familiar with,” he added.

Regragui also warned of the challenge posed by Mali’s national team, Les Aigles (“The Eagles”). “It will be a tough game. They have strong character and technical quality. It’s a team I appreciate, capable of exploiting opportunities, which means they could leave spaces that we will try to use,” he added.

“We have been managing and shouldering the pressure for a year and a half. No match is ever won at halftime. Despite sterile possession, the opponent often ends up exhausted,” Regragui argued, noting that the squad is complete except for Roman Saïss, who is injured.

“Apart from Romain, who felt a slight muscle strain, Hamza Igamane and Achraf Hakimi, who are recovering, the group is ready. We will make the right decisions for Achraf tomorrow,” the national coach said.

Regarding the young defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Regragui assured that the Stade Rennais player has “enormous talent.”

“In his development, there have been ups and downs. He’s a gem for the future. I had selected him for the national team more than a year ago when he was playing for Rennes’ reserve team. Today, everyone is asking for him to be a starter. We’re going to support him,” he said.

Moreover, Regragui highlighted the role of Azzeddine Ounahi, believing that when the Girona player “is at the top of his game, Morocco becomes a great team.”

MAP: 25 December 2025