HOSTS Morocco and South Africa booked their places in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night after contrasting but equally dramatic victories in Rabat and Marrakesh, as the group-stage battles intensified across Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that in front of a raucous home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco delivered a commanding performance, easing past Zambia 3–0 to finish top of Group A, while South Africa needed a late penalty to edge Zimbabwe 3–2 and secure qualification from Group B.
Ayoub El Kaabi stole the spotlight for the Atlas Lions, scoring twice as Morocco bounced back from their previous draw to underline their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The Olympiakos striker opened the scoring after just nine minutes, rising at the back post to nod in a well-worked corner routine delivered by Azzedine Ounahi, sending over 62,000 fans into celebration.
Morocco doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark following a slick attacking move. Ounahi again played the architect, releasing Abde Ezzalzouli, whose low cross evaded El Kaabi but was calmly swept home by Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid midfielder netting for the third consecutive match at the tournament.
El Kaabi sealed the win six minutes into the second half with a spectacular overhead kick after beating the Zambian offside trap. The goal was initially ruled out but later awarded following a VAR review, allowing El Kaabi to move level with Riyad Mahrez and Diaz atop the AFCON goal charts with three goals each.
The comfortable victory also saw a significant boost for the hosts as Achraf Hakimi, Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, made his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from an ankle injury. The Paris Saint-Germain defender received a huge ovation when introduced in the 64th minute and nearly marked his return with a goal late on.
Morocco finished the group with seven points from two wins and a draw, while Mali placed second after a third straight goalless draw against Comoros. The Atlas Lions will remain in Rabat for their last-16 clash on Sunday, January 4, against one of the best third-placed teams.
Earlier in Marrakesh, South Africa produced a nervy but determined display to defeat Zimbabwe in a pulsating southern African derby.
Bafana Bafana struck early when rising star Tshepang Moremi gave them the lead in the seventh minute, his shot deflecting off a defender and looping over veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Zimbabwe responded with spirit and equalised on 19 minutes through Tawanda Maswanhise, who produced a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past defenders before firing beyond South Africa captain Ronwen Williams.
South Africa regained control early in the second half as Premier League striker Lyle Foster capitalised on a defensive lapse to restore the lead, nodding into an empty net after racing past Arubi. It was Foster’s second goal of the tournament and another reminder of his growing influence.
However, Zimbabwe refused to surrender and drew level again in the 73rd minute when Aubrey Modiba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following sustained pressure.
With qualification hanging in the balance, South Africa were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute. Oswin Appollis kept his composure, sending Arubi the wrong way to score the decisive goal and spark celebrations among the South African contingent, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who was in attendance.
The win lifted South Africa to six points, guaranteeing passage to the knockout stage. Zimbabwe finished bottom of the group with one point, while Angola, on two points, still harbour hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Elsewhere in Group B, Egypt topped the group with seven points after a 0-0 draw against Angola, resting several key players including captain Mohamed Salah.
South Africa will now wait to learn their last-16 opponents, with either defending champions Ivory Coast or five-time winners Cameroon looming as potential challengers.
As the group stage draws to a close, the 2025 AFCON is already delivering drama, quality, and intensity, with hosts Morocco and a resilient South Africa among the teams carrying momentum into the knockout rounds.