The mood across Morocco transformed from anxious doubt to unbridled ecstasy on Monday night, as the national football team, the Atlas Lions, delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages. Hosting the tournament, the pressure was immense, but a resounding 3–0 victory against former champions Zambia at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat has completely revitalized the nation's campaign.
A Dominant Display Silences the Doubters
Entering their final Group A match, many Moroccan supporters had tempered their expectations. However, the team left no room for uncertainty, controlling the game from the outset with over 70 per cent possession and sustained pressure. The breakthrough came early, settling nerves when Ayoub El Kaabi finished clinically in the ninth minute. The dominance continued, and Brahim Diaz doubled the lead in the 27th minute, capping a first half where Morocco dictated the tempo and territory.
El Kaabi's Magic and Hakimi's Emotional Return
The defining moment of the match, and perhaps the tournament so far for Morocco, arrived early in the second half. In the 50th minute, Ayoub El Kaabi produced a moment of pure spectacle—a stunning bicycle kick from a free-kick situation that found the net. After a brief VAR review for a potential offside, the goal was validated, sending the 62,532 spectators in Rabat into a frenzy. This second strike cemented El Kaabi's status as Man of the Match.
Further joy came with the long-awaited return of star defender Achraf Hakimi. He made his first appearance of the tournament, entering as a substitute for Noussair Mazraoui while wearing the captain's armband, adding symbolic weight to a night of national celebration.
Road to the Knockouts and National Euphoria
The comprehensive win had immediate and far-reaching consequences. Morocco finished as outright leaders of Group A with seven points, moving into the knockout phase unbeaten and brimming with confidence. For Zambia, the defeat confirmed their elimination from the competition. Across Morocco, the victory sparked spontaneous celebrations. Fans flooded the streets singing and dancing, while others paraded on bikes and cars, waving national flags on major motorways, united in renewed belief that their Atlas Lions can go all the way on home soil.
