Hakimi’s Return Restores Morocco’s Identity and Momentum

Only days earlier, Morocco’s players had walked off the pitch to a chorus of boos after a frustrating draw against Mali. Doubt briefly crept into the stands, and questions were raised about whether the tournament hosts had lost their rhythm. On Monday night in Rabat, however, those doubts were emphatically swept away. With captain Achraf Hakimi returning from injury, Morocco rediscovered their confidence, their fluency and, above all, their winning identity.

Morocco delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia to finish top of their group and book a place in the last sixteen of the Africa Cup of Nations. The scoreline reflected their dominance, but the performance carried deeper significance: it marked a clear turning point after an uneven start to the tournament.

Although Hakimi made his return as a substitute in the 64th minute, the outcome was already beyond doubt by the time he stepped onto the pitch. His mere presence, however, lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium. The boos of the previous match had transformed into roars of approval, as supporters welcomed back their influential captain, whose energy and leadership are central to Morocco’s ambitions.

The match itself belonged to Ayoub El Kaabi, who continued his impressive form with a clinical brace. His movement and finishing troubled the Zambian defence throughout, underlining his importance to Morocco’s attacking structure. The third goal came from Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz, who maintained his remarkable consistency by scoring in all three group matches. El Kaabi, too, finished the group stage with three goals from three games, giving Morocco a potent attacking duo heading into the knockout phase.

Morocco’s control of the game was evident from the opening whistle. They pressed high, moved the ball with confidence and limited Zambia to few meaningful chances. By the time Hakimi entered the fray, the hosts were already cruising, yet his return provided an emotional boost that may prove invaluable as the competition intensifies.

From Group A, Morocco advance alongside Mali, who secured their own passage to the last sixteen. Elsewhere in the tournament, South Africa emerged as the second team from Group B after edging Zimbabwe 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. Group champions Egypt, meanwhile, opted to rest talisman Mohamed Salah and settled for a goalless draw against Angola, a result that ensured their safe progression.

For Morocco, the emphatic win over Zambia feels like a statement of intent. With Hakimi back to full fitness, confidence restored in the stands and key attackers finding the net with regularity, the hosts appear to be gathering momentum at precisely the right moment. As the knockout rounds approach, Morocco once again look every inch a side capable of challenging for continental glory.

Match and Group Highlights :

Morocco’s revival, led by returning captain Achraf Hakimi, has reignited belief among players and supporters alike—setting the stage for a compelling knockout campaign.