Morocco validated its ticket for the round of 16 of the CAN after its big victory against Zambia (3-0), marked by the great return to the competition of Achraf Hakimi.
Morocco was reassured. After starting “his”
African Cup of Nations with an unconvincing victory against the Comoros (2-0) and followed by a disappointing draw against Mali (1-1), the Atlas Lions delivered a successful performance this Monday.
Opposed to Zambia at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat, Walid Regargui’s band won without difficulty (3-0). The Moroccans thus validated their qualification for the round of 16 of the CAN, and at the same time first place in group A.
The Atlas Lions started the game strong and were rightly rewarded. Author of the opener (9e), Ayoub El Kaabi then offered himself a double with another superb return (50e). In the meantime, Brahim Diaz scored his third goal in the tournament.
Hakimi two months later
This great Moroccan success was marked by the great return to competition of Achraf Hakimi. Almost two months after his major ankle sprain, the Parisian right-back entered the game in the 64th minute, having remained on the substitutes’ bench during the first two matches.
The Atlas Lions will be accompanied in the round of 16 by Mali, qualified despite a third draw in a row against the Comoros (0-0).
