Host nation Morocco booked their place in the knockout stage in emphatic fashion after dismantling Zambia 3–0 on Monday, delivering a dominant performance that reinforced expectations of a deep tournament run.
Roared on by a partisan home crowd, Morocco seized control from the opening whistle, combining tactical discipline with ruthless efficiency to overwhelm their opponents. The breakthrough came early when Ayoub El Kaabi rose unchallenged to head home from close range, setting the tone for a one-sided contest.
Morocco’s midfield superiority, orchestrated by Azzedine Ounahi, repeatedly stretched Zambia’s defensive lines and generated sustained pressure. The hosts thereafter managed the game with composure, rotating key players while maintaining defensive solidity to secure a clean sheet. Zambia, despite moments of endeavour, were unable to breach the well-organised Moroccan back line. The convincing win sends a clear warning to potential rivals as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Meanwhile, South Africa also booked their place in the knockout stage after edging Zimbabwe 3–2 in a dramatic Group B encounter on Monday, finishing second behind Egypt.
Bafana Bafana struck first through Tshepang Moremi, whose deflected effort opened the scoring early. Zimbabwe responded with resilience, as Tawanda Maswanhise produced a moment of individual brilliance to restore parity midway through the first half.
The second half delivered even greater drama. Lyle Foster restored South Africa’s lead with a composed header following a defensive lapse, but Zimbabwe drew level again after an unfortunate own goal by Aubrey Modiba. As the match appeared destined for a draw, VAR intervened with eight minutes remaining to award South Africa a decisive penalty for handball.
Oswin Appollis kept his composure from the spot, sending goalkeeper Washington Arubi the wrong way to seal the crucial victory. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams then produced vital late saves to repel Zimbabwe’s final onslaught and preserve the win, confirming South Africa’s progression while Zimbabwe crashed out.
Attention now turns to Group C, where Nigeria face Uganda in their final group match, although the Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the round of 16. Nigeria sealed early progression after victories over Tanzania (2–1) and Tunisia (3–2) in their opening two matches.
Ademola Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer so far, scoring two goals and providing two assists to emerge as the tournament’s most prolific player. Uganda, by contrast, have managed just one point from two matches and must win to keep their hopes alive.
To reach the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in six years, the Cranes must defeat Nigeria in their final group game. While the Super Eagles remain clear favourites, their qualification already assured could see head coach Éric Chelle rotate his squad and rest key players ahead of the knockout rounds a scenario that offers Uganda a slim chance of pulling off a miracle.
