The story of Achraf Hakimi's return and Morocco’s progression to the AFCON knockout stages is truly a compelling one — but here's where it gets controversial... While Morocco convincingly defeated Zambia 3-0 at the passionate Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to conclude their Group A matches on a high note and secure their place in the Round of 16, the circumstances surrounding their qualification invite debate. In this match, a standout performance from Ayoub El Kaabi, who scored twice—including a spectacular bicycle kick—alongside a skillful finish from Brahim Diaz, proved too much for the relatively weak Zambian side, leading to their elimination from the tournament. Meanwhile, Mali's 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca was sufficient for Mali to advance as runners-up in the group.
Adding an extra layer of significance to Morocco’s victory was the return of a key player, Achraf Hakimi. After missing action since early November due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi’s re-entry into the game was a major boost. His return not only bolstered Morocco’s defense but also uplifted team morale, especially after a tough start following their consecutive wins being broken in the previous match against Mali.
El Kaabi’s opening goal arrived in the ninth minute, stemming from a well-executed corner kick delivered to Azzedine Ounahi, whose lofted cross found El Kaabi, who then scored with a powerful, diving header past Zambia’s goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza. The second goal by Diaz came 18 minutes later when he calmly finished after Ezzalzouli’s cross was misjudged by Zambia’s defenders, demonstrating Morocco's attacking fluency.
From the early minutes, Zambia's defensive line looked shaky and nervy, visibly overwhelmed by Morocco’s aggressive approach. Notably, El Kaabi had an earlier chance but lacked conviction in his shot, and Ezzalzouli’s effort was saved by Mwanza shortly thereafter. The presence of Ezzalzouli, a talented winger with experience at Barcelona and currently playing for Real Betis, added a lively dynamic to Morocco’s attack, linking well with Diaz, who is part of Real Madrid.
As the game progressed, Morocco's dominance persisted. Diaz came closest to scoring a third, narrowly missing from the far post after a clever setup from Ezzalzouli. But the highlight of the match was El Kaabi’s second, a breathtaking bicycle kick reminiscent of his earlier effort in the tournament, which reaffirmed his status as one of AFCON’s most exciting goal-scorers.
The atmosphere reached its peak when Hakimi was substituted into the game in the 64th minute, replacing Noussair Mazraoui. The crowd’s cheer was deafening, symbolizing not only Hakimi’s comeback but also Morocco’s resilience and rising confidence. His energetic presence after returning from injury was a clear signal of his importance to the team.
This victory guarantees Morocco’s advancement as group winners, setting them up for a match against one of the best third-placed teams from Groups C, D, or E in Rabat on January 4. Meanwhile, Mali, having finished as runners-up, is set to face likely opponents such as Tunisia in Casablanca, scheduled for January 3.
Turning to other pools, while Ghana’s dominance in possession against Madagascar was evident, a contentious red card issued to Amadou Haidara late in the game added drama and tension. Mali progressed with five points, yet the fate of Comoros remains uncertain, as they sit in third place with only two points, waiting anxiously to see if their tally is enough to advance.
In the earlier matches, Egypt, the winners of Group B, were held to a goalless draw by Angola, which still leaves open the possibility for Egypt to qualify as one of the best second-place teams. South Africa’s 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe secured their spot in the knockout stages, ending their group stage adventure with a satisfying result.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: is the excitement of Morocco’s successful campaign truly deserved, or are their achievements partly thanks to weaker opponents? And should Hakimi’s return be seen as a decisive factor, or does it overshadow the underrated teamwork that brought Morocco this far? Sometimes, the story around a team’s success can be just as controversial as their victories. What do you think? Do you agree that Morocco's journey has been a combination of skill, resilience, and fortunate circumstances, or do you believe they are genuinely the tournament's best contenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
