Morocco went top of Group A following a convincing 3-0 win over Zambia in an Africa Cup of Nation game staged on Monday night.
Ayoub El Kaabi gave the hosts a deserving lead inside nine minutes with their second arriving in the 27th minute through Brahim Diaz. Any hope of a Zambian response was extinguished shortly after the interval when El Kaabi struck again in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute.
Also Read: Mbwana Samatta Hints 2025 AFCON Could Be His Final Tournament
The victory sees Walid Regragui’s side finish the group stage with seven points, securing first place ahead of Mali, who also progress after a goalless draw with Comoros.
In another game of the day, Mali battled to 0-0 draw against Comoros; a result that saw the Eagles progress as Comoros bowed out of the competition.
The match wasn’t short of drama with Mali were reduced to ten men two minutes from normal time when Amadou Haidara was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge.
At the Stade d’Agadir, Angola and Egypt played out a tense and physical 0–0 draw.
Also Read: Semenyo Transfer News: City on Brink of Deal Ahead of Liverpool
In another match on Monday, South Africa reached the knockout stages of the after edging a spirited Zimbabwe side 3–2 in a gripping Group B encounter.
Bafana Bafana made the perfect start, striking inside seven minutes. Tshepang Moremi capitalised on a deflected effort, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Arubi to hand South Africa an early lead. Zimbabwe however restored parity following a moment of magic from Tawanda Maswanhise.
Lyle Foster regained South Africa’s lead minutes into the second half with Oswin Appollis extending their lead through a penalty. Zimbabwe were not finished as an own goal from Aubrey Modiba reduced the deficit and sparked a frantic finale but South Africa held on to progress to the next round.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Retirement Plans
