AFCON 2025: Ayoub El Kaabi inspires Morocco to emphatic 3-0 win over Zambia to reach Round of 16

Striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored a brace on Monday night to inspire Morocco to thump Zambia 3-0 in their final group match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The lethal forward started the Group A contest and netted his first of the day after just nine minutes into the first half. El Kaabi showed good positioning and ran onto a clever pass from Azzedine Ounahi to head into the Zambia net for the opening goal.

In a game where El Kaabi led the lines with an impressive work ethic on and off the ball, he netted his second in the second half.

This time around, it was one of his trademark scissor kicks where he showed amazing athleticism to connect to a well-delivered free-kick to complete his brace.

Although there were protests over a possible offside by the Zambians, a VAR check by the referee confirmed the goal.

In between El Kaabi’s brace, Brahim Diaz, who was outstanding with his displays on the night, equalised in the 27th minute after he was assisted by Abde Ezzalzouli.

The winger’s third goal in his third match at AFCON 2025 was instrumental in the big victory for Morocco, sending the host nation into the Round 16 stage as winners of Group A with seven points.