In Group A, the hosts, Morocco, secured their qualification with authority by defeating Zambia 3-0. The Atlas Lions started the match with great hunger and led 2-0 by halftime, thanks to goals from El Kaabi and Brahim—the latter marking his third goal of the tournament
Tags : #Morocco #Egypt #South_Africa #Mali #AFCON #Round of 16 #footbal #2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The third and final matchday of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage did not disappoint in terms of intensity or tactical insights. On a decisive Monday for defining favorites and eliminations, the tournament held in Morocco confirmed the strength of traditional powerhouses and delivered a few surprises in both scorelines and gameplay, closing out Groups A and B.
In Group A, the hosts, Morocco, secured their qualification with authority by defeating Zambia 3-0. The Atlas Lions started the match with great hunger and led 2-0 by halftime, thanks to goals from El Kaabi and Brahim—the latter marking his third goal of the tournament. In the second half, Moroccan fans cheered the return of Achraf Hakimi to the pitch following his serious injury, as well as a spectacular bicycle kick goal by El Kaabi, his second using that technique in this edition. Morocco advances as group winners, while Zambia exits the tournament after finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Comoros and Mali played out a 0-0 draw, ensuring Mali’s qualification for the Round of 16 as group runners-up. Comoros is left with a glimmer of hope, though with only 2 points, it will be difficult for them to secure a spot as one of the four best third-placed teams.
In Group B, Angola and Egypt drew 0-0 in a match dominated by the Angolans, who deserved better luck. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, rested Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush, and the team felt their absence. Egypt advances to the Round of 16 as leaders with 7 out of 9 points, while Angola must wait to see if their 2 points and -1 goal difference are enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the same group, intense emotions were felt in Marrakech, where South Africa beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in a back-and-forth encounter. The victory allows the Bafana Bafana to progress to the Round of 16 as runners-up, while Zimbabwe heads home.
#Morocco #AFCON2025 #CAF #Egypt #Mali #SouthAfrica
