December 30, (THEWILL) — Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds following a comfortable 3-0 victory against Zambia at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Monday.
The result guaranteed Walid Regragui’s side top spot in Group A after Mali and Comoros played out a goalless draw in the other fixture.
Ayoub El Kaabi struck twice for the North African nation, first with a diving header inside nine minutes.
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz doubled the advantage before the half-hour mark with a clinical finish to put Morocco in control.
El Kaabi added a second goal with an acrobatic bicycle kick five minutes into the second half, connecting with Abde Ezzalzouli’s delivery.
Officials initially disallowed the effort for offside, but video review technology overturned the decision and confirmed the striker had timed his run correctly.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi made his return to action after sustaining an injury against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League in early November.
The influential right-back entered the match in the second period with his team already holding a three-goal cushion.
Morocco will now meet one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the round of 16 on January 4.
The Atlas Lions completed the group stage unbeaten and will look to build on their strong start to the competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
