Match report
Morocco Defeats Zambia 3-0 in Africa Cup of Nations
Zambia
0–3
FT
Morocco
Dec 29, 2025
Morocco's dominance was evident from the start as they defeated Zambia 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations match. The North Africans capitalized on early goals by Ayoub El Kaabi and B. Diaz to secure a comfortable victory. Zambia's inability to capitalize on their chances and constant defensive issues were their downfall.
Key Facts
- • Ayoub El Kaabi scored two goals (9', 50')
- • B. Diaz netted a goal (27')
- • Azzedine Ounahi provided two assists
- • Zambia had three yellow cards, with M. Chaiwa, K. Chongo, and E. Mandanji each receiving one
- • Morocco secured a strong win in the Africa Cup of Nations
- • Zambia struggled to keep up with Morocco's attacking prowess
Lineups
Zambia
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 1 W. Mwanza (G)
- 2 M. Banda
- 14 K. Chongo (D)
- 21 D. Chanda (D)
- 22 D. Hamansenya (D)
- 6 B. Sakala (M)
- 26 J. Liteta (M)
- 8 L. Musonda (M)
- 5 M. Chaiwa (M)
- 17 K. Kangwa (M)
- 20 P. Daka (F)
Substitutes
- 16 L. Mulenga
- 18 F. Mwansa
- 4 F. Musonda
- 24 G. P. Mphande
- 13 S. Sunzu
- 9 L. Banda
- 3 O. Chisala
- 15 G. Kalusa
- 11 J. Sabobo
- 12 W. Chisala
- 25 O. Tembo
- 7 J. Lahne
- 27 E. Mandanji
- 19 K. Musonda
- 23 P. Phiri
Morocco
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 1 Bono (G)
- 15 M. Chibi (D)
- 5 N. Aguerd (D)
- 25 A. Masina (D)
- 3 N. Mazraoui (D)
- 24 N. El Aynaoui (M)
- 8 A. Ounahi (M)
- 10 B. Diaz (M)
- 11 I. Saibari (M)
- 17 A. Ezzalzouli (M)
- 20 A. El Kaabi (F)
Substitutes
- 22 E. M. Al Harrar
- 12 Munir
- 27 A. Ait Boudlal
- 28 Y. Belammari
- 18 J. El Yamiq
- 2 A. Hakimi
- 26 A. Salah-Eddine
- 4 S. Amrabat
- 23 B. El Khannouss
- 14 O. Targhalline
- 16 I. Akhomach
- 13 E. Ben Seghir
- 19 Y. En Nesyri
- 9 S. Rahimi
- 21 C. Talbi
Timeline
-
9' Morocco Goal · Normal GoalAyoub El Kaabi · Assist: Azzedine Ounahi
-
27' Morocco Goal · Normal GoalB. Diaz · Assist: A. Ezzalzouli
-
29' Zambia Card · Yellow CardM. Chaiwa
Foul
-
39' Zambia Card · Yellow CardK. Chongo
Foul
-
46' Zambia subst · Substitution 1Off: J. Liteta · On: Lameck Banda
-
46' Zambia subst · Substitution 2Off: K. Chongo · On: E. Mandanji
-
50' Morocco Goal · Normal GoalAyoub El Kaabi · Assist: Azzedine Ounahi
-
53' Morocco Var · Goal confirmedAyoub El Kaabi
-
55' Zambia Card · Yellow CardE. Mandanji
Foul
-
63' Zambia subst · Substitution 3Off: M. Banda · On: J. Sabobo
-
64' Morocco subst · Substitution 1Off: N. Mazraoui · On: Achraf Hakimi
-
64' Morocco subst · Substitution 2Off: B. Diaz · On: I. Akhomach
-
64' Morocco subst · Substitution 3Off: I. Saibari · On: E. Ben Seghir
-
74' Morocco subst · Substitution 4Off: Ayoub El Kaabi · On: Y. En Nesyri
-
74' Morocco subst · Substitution 5Off: A. Ezzalzouli · On: C. Talbi
-
79' Zambia subst · Substitution 4Off: K. Kangwa · On: G. Kalusa
-
79' Zambia subst · Substitution 5Off: P. Daka · On: W. Chisala
-
85' Zambia Card · Yellow CardDavid Hamansenya
Argument
-
90'+3 Morocco Card · Yellow CardAzzedine Ounahi
Foul
Match Stats
| Stat | Zambia | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 23 | 12 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 90% |
| Offsides | 2 | 4 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 5 | 19 |
| Corners | 1 | 5 |
| Total Passes | 352 | 465 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 1 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 0 | 9 |
| xG | — | — |
| Shots off Target | 4 | 7 |
| Possession | 43% | 57% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 296 | 417 |
| Shots Inside Box | 2 | 13 |
| Saves | 6 | 0 |
| Shots Outside Box | 3 | 6 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ Ayoub El Kaabi's early goal in the 9th minute set the tone for Morocco's dominance
- ▸ Morocco's second goal by B. Diaz in the 27th minute solidified their lead and put Zambia on the back foot
- ▸ Zambia's defensive issues and accumulation of yellow cards further weakened their chances to recover