By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu
Afcon 2025: Morocco Shine as Hakimi Returns and Egypt Reach Knockout Stage
Morocco booked their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 3–0 win over Zambia, delighting home fans in Rabat. Ayoub El Kaabi scored two goals, while Brahim Diaz added another to seal the victory.
The big moment of the night, however, was the return of Achraf Hakimi, who came on in the second half after missing nearly two months due to injury.
His comeback has boosted confidence that Morocco, the tournament hosts, can go far in the competition.
Morocco needed a strong performance after being criticised in their previous match, and they delivered with confidence and control.
El Kaabi scored early with a simple header, and Diaz doubled the lead before halftime. El Kaabi then completed his brace with an acrobatic goal early in the second half.
Coach Walid Regragui praised the team but warned them to stay focused and humble as the tournament progresses. Zambia, meanwhile, were eliminated and continue a long winless run at Afcon.
Elsewhere, Mali also qualified for the knockout stage after a goalless draw with Comoros, finishing second in their group. South Africa secured qualification with a dramatic 3–2 win over Zimbabwe, scoring a late penalty to seal the match.
Egypt, on the other hand, rested star player Mohamed Salah and still managed a 0–0 draw with Angola, which was enough to see them top their group and move into the last 16.
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