Morocco forward Ayoub El Kaabi netted a double and midfield maestro Brahim Diaz added another as the Africa Cup of Nations hosts turned in a convincing performance in outclassing Zambia 3-0 on Monday to top Group A.

El Kaabi powered home an early headed goal and then scored with one of his trademark bicycle kicks while Diaz netted for the third successive game as Morocco swept their opponents aside to finish on seven points ahead of second-placed Mali on three.

After a timid start to the tournament, with a nervy opening game win over tiny Comoros and then an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday, Morocco finally looked like the favourites that many have made them for the 24-team tournament.

Defeat meant Zambia were eliminated, as they finished bottom of the group with two points, behind Comoros on goal difference.

Morocco were on the attack from the start with Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza forced into a save after 12 seconds and then making a point-blank stop in the sixth minute to deny Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

But he was unable to stop El Kaabi’s diving header in the ninth minute as the striker powered his way in between three defenders to get onto the end of a corner.

El Kaabi might have had his second goal in the 27th minute but failed to get a touch to Ezzalzouli’s driving cross. But Diaz timed his arrival in the box perfectly to sweep it home with the left foot.

Diaz drove most of the Moroccan attacks. A menace to the opposing defence with his trickery on the ball, he is fast becoming a fan favourite at the tournament.

El Kaabi’s second goal came from a ball over the top of the Zambian defence as he launched into an overhead kick for a spectacular finish. It was initially flagged offside but a VAR check confirmed he was onside when the ball was delivered.

“It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal our qualification,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

“We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final. We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their best in every match,” he added.

HAKIMI MAKES RETURN TO ACTION

Morocco captain, and recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi came on to great acclaim as a 64th minute substitute and had a beaming smile on his face in his first outing since suffering an ankle injury in the Champions League almost eight weeks ago.

Hakimi’s participation in the tournament had been in doubt but his recovery was completed sooner than expected with praise from his coach for his application in the rehabilitation process.

The Paris St Germain right back was inches away from a fairytale goal in the 81st minute as a stabbed effort with the outside of the boot looked bound for the net, only for Mwanza to make a full-stretch save.

Morocco now wait to find out the identity of their opponents in the last 16 at the weekend, which will be one of the four best third-placed finishers.

-Reuters

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The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco enters its decisive phase on Monday as the final round of group-stage fixtures kicks off, with qualification still hanging in the balance for most of the field. True to AFCON tradition, late drama looks inevitable.

Three heavyweights — Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria — have already secured their places in the Round of 16 after winning their opening two matches. For the rest, the final group games will determine not only who finishes in the top two but also which sides can cling to hope through the race for the best third-placed spots.

Group B: Egypt Safe, Chaos Behind

Egypt’s perfect start has them clear on six points and safely through, but the battle behind remains fierce. South Africa, second on three points, know victory over Zimbabwe would guarantee progression. Angola, level on one point with Zimbabwe, face the daunting task of upsetting Egypt while hoping other results tilt in their favor. With goal difference tight, a single swing could prove decisive.

Group A: Hosts Morocco Still Under Pressure

Hosts Morocco top Group A on four points but are not yet assured of safety. Mali and Zambia sit locked on two points, while Comoros remain alive with one. Monday night’s fixtures could flip the group upside down: Morocco face Zambia, who have already shown resilience, while Mali cannot afford a slip against Comoros in what may become a straight shootout for qualification.

Group C: Nigeria Through, Tunisia on Edge

Tuesday’s action sees Nigeria, already qualified, take on Uganda. Tunisia, on three points, must handle business against Tanzania. Yet both Tanzania and Uganda remain capable of sneaking through with a strong finish, leaving no room for complacency.

Group D: Final-Day Squeeze

Senegal and DR Congo are level on four points, Benin trail by one, and Botswana chase their first point. DR Congo will expect opportunities against Botswana, but Senegal’s clash with Benin carries high stakes: first place, automatic qualification, and even elimination are all possible outcomes depending on results.

Group E: Algeria Await Their Companion

Algeria are safely through, but Burkina Faso and Sudan — level on three points — will battle for the second spot. Fine margins could decide who joins the North Africans in the knockout rounds.

Group F: Champions Under Threat

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon are tied on four points, with Mozambique lurking just behind on three. Gabon are already eliminated, but the final evening promises a scramble for survival and supremacy.

Fixtures to Watch

The final group games span three days, promising twists at every turn:

Monday, 29 December

•             16:00 — Angola vs Egypt

•             16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa

•             19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco

•             19:00 — Comoros vs Mali

Tuesday, 30 December

•             16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria

•             16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia

•             19:00 — Benin vs Senegal

•             19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo

Wednesday, 31 December

•             16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria

•             16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso

•             19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire

•             19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon

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‘Our Beat, Our Gold’ took centre stage on Saturday as Goldberg Lager Beer transformed Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia into a shared fan experience, blending football, culture and the easy-going excitement of Detty December as the Super Eagles sealed qualification for the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations.

At the expansive Ilubirin Way in Lagos, fans gathered early, many with bottles and cans of ice-cold Goldberg in hand, settling into a relaxed, open-air viewing environment designed to bring the match-day atmosphere closer to the people. Large screens, music and branded spaces created a comfortable setting where supporters could watch the decisive Group C clash together.

As the final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s place in the knockout phase, cheers rippled through the crowd. Bottles were raised in celebration as fans toasted both the result and the team’s steady progress, capturing a mood of calm satisfaction and pride rather than frenzy.

Our Beat, Our Gold in the air with the fans celebrating one of the Super Eagles’ goals at the viewing pavilion provided by Goldberg.

The evening drew a blend of celebrities and culture figures who mingled seamlessly with supporters. Actor Kunle Remi, actress Shaffy Bello and DJ DJ Kay Wise were among those present, enjoying the match alongside fans and contributing to a sense of shared occasion rather than spectacle.

Entertainment was thoughtfully woven into the programme. The Awajo dance group delivered energetic performances during breaks in play, while MC Advantage guided the flow of the evening, keeping the audience engaged without drawing attention away from the football.

Fans moved easily between watching the match, socialising and enjoying chilled Goldberg beers.

Former Super Eagles striker and AFCON winner Brown Ideye also attended, briefly interacting with supporters who welcomed the chance to connect with a familiar face from Nigeria’s football history.

Food and drinks flowed steadily throughout the venue, complemented by light games and predict-and-win activities that rewarded fans with branded gifts, keeping the atmosphere lively without overwhelming the match itself.

“Our Beat, Our Gold is about recognising how Nigerians experience football together,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg.

“It’s not always about noise or spectacle. Sometimes it’s about creating the right space for people to connect, share emotions and enjoy the game the way they naturally do — with good company and an ice-cold Goldberg.”

Aroyehun noted that the brand’s approach reflects the natural rhythm of Nigerian football culture. “Whether the Super Eagles are winning or preparing for the next challenge, the fans remain central. Their presence, their conversations and their belief are what give meaning to the game.”

Goldberg’s involvement in Nigerian football is underpinned by its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation, one of the longest unbroken corporate sponsorships in the federation’s stable following the deal signed by Nigerian Breweries Plc on February 1, 2018. Since then, the brand has consistently mobilised fans to rally behind the national team, driving a surge in Super Eagles followership.

Fans at Ilubirin Way described the experience as balanced and welcoming. “It was well organised,” said Adesayo Bankonle, an attendee. “You could watch the match, talk football and enjoy a cold Goldberg without feeling rushed or crowded.”

Beyond Ilubirin, Goldberg said it is igniting AFCON excitement across multiple viewing centres in Lagos and beyond, ensuring fans in different communities can enjoy the tournament together. Even with Nigeria already through to the Round of 16, anticipation remains high ahead of the December 30 clash against Uganda.

“As AFCON continues, Goldberg will keep football, culture and community connected,” the brand said — celebrating the shared rhythm that defines Our Beat, Our Gold, one match and one ice-cold bottle at a time.

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