Zambia arrived with only the faintest hope of a miracle — a scenario that would lift them into second place in the group. To make it happen, they needed nothing less than a victory over the tournament hosts, Morocco. On paper, it was a daunting task. On the pitch, it proved even tougher.

The miracle never materialised. From the opening stages, Morocco asserted their authority, controlling the tempo and showcasing the gulf in class between the two sides. Calm, confident and ruthless, the hosts left little room for doubt.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Zambia - Morocco 0:3 (0:2)
Goals: El Kaabi, 9 (0:1); Diaz Br., 27 (0:2); El Kaabi, 50 (0:3)

Zambia: Mwanza; Banda M. (Sabobo, 63); Chongo (Mandanji, 46); Chanda Dominic; Hamansenya; Chaiwa; Sakala B.; Musonda L.; Kangwa K. (Kalusa, 79); Liteta (Banda L., 46); Daka (Chisala W., 79)
Substitution: Banda L. (from 46); Mandanji (from 46); Sabobo (from 63); Chisala W. (from 79); Kalusa (from 79)
Bench: Mulenga Lawrence; wansa Francis; Musonda F.; Sunzu; Mphande; Chisala O.; Tembo; Phiri; Lahne; Musonda K.
Yellow Cards: Chaiwa 29; Chongo 39; Mandanji 55; Hamansenya 85

Morocco: Bounou; Aguerd; Chibi; Masina; Mazraoui (Hakimi, 64); Ounahi A.; Diaz Br. (Akhomach, 64); Saibari (Ben Seghir, 64); Ezzalzouli (Talbi, 74); El Aynaoui; El Kaabi (En Nesyri, 74)
Substitution: Hakimi (from 64); Akhomach (from 64); Ben Seghir (from 64); Talbi (from 74); En Nesyri (from 74)
Bench: Munir; Al Harrar; El Yamiq; Salah-Eddine; Ait Boudlal; Belammari Youssef; Amrabat S.; Targhalline; Rahimi S.; El Khannouss
Yellow Cards: Ounahi A. 90