AFCON: Morocco Confirms its Status as Favorite, Report Belgian Media

The Belgian French-speaking public broadcaster ‘RTBF’ referred to a “landmark victory,” noting that Morocco “crushed Zambia and advanced to the AFCON Round of 16.”

“Despite being under pressure,” the host country “did not falter for a second” on Monday night and managed to win by a large margin to finish at the top of its group and approach the rest of the competition “with much more confidence,” said the public broadcaster.

According to ‘RTBF’, “without exerting themselves, completely suffocating a helpless opponent,” the Atlas Lions have “built up their confidence at the best possible moment,” on the eve of the knockout stage.

For its part, ‘Sporza’, the sports website of the Flemish public broadcaster ‘VRT’, highlighted Morocco’s collective and attacking performance, secured by goals from El Kaabi, who scored twice, and Brahim Díaz. The Dutch-speaking media said that the Moroccans “convinced and impressed” during this final matchday, firmly securing their top spot in Group A.

The daily ‘DH Les Sports’ stressed that Morocco “qualified without trembling against Zambia,” recalling that, under pressure in front of their home crowd, the favorite of AFCON 2025 lived up to expectations by outclassing their opponent to secure their ticket to the Round of 16.

‘Le Soir’ highlighted the expected reaction from the Atlas Lions after the draw against Mali, noting that the match was decided in the first half with two goals scored in less than thirty minutes.

‘Voetbalnieuws’ pointed out that all eyes were on Morocco, the host nation and top favorite of the 35th edition, on Monday night. The Dutch-speaking sports site highlighted the convincing victory over Zambia, notably marked by El Kaabi’s brace, including a “legendary goal” scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Finally, ‘Walfoot’ said that Morocco bounced back well after the draw against Mali, earning seven points out of nine in the group stage to finish first in their group with a clear lead. According to the Belgian site, this performance confirms the Atlas Lions’ status as strong favorites in this AFCON.

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