Morocco carrying the hopes of a football crazy Nation

Morocco topped Group A at AFCON 2025 with 7 points, defeating Zambia 3-0 in their final group match, and will face Tanzania on Sunday 4 January, 2026 in the Round of 16 in Rabat.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has brought the Atlas Lions of Morocco back into the continental spotlight. With the tournament hosted on home soil, expectations have been immense, and the team’s journey through the group stage has provided both reassurance and questions about their readiness to go all the way. Morocco’s performance in Group A and their upcoming Round of 16 clash against the Taifa Stars set the stage for what could be a defining campaign.

Morocco entered Group A alongside Zambia, Comoros, and Mali. Under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions showcased resilience and attacking flair, finishing top of the group with 7 points.

• Matchday 1: Morocco vs Comoros (2-0)
  Morocco opened their campaign with a convincing win. Goals from Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz highlighted the team’s attacking depth. The defense remained solid, ensuring a clean sheet and setting the tone for the group stage.
• Matchday 2: Morocco vs Mali (1-1)
  This encounter proved more challenging. Mali’s physicality and tactical discipline tested Morocco, who had to settle for a draw. While the Atlas Lions dominated possession, lapses in concentration allowed Mali to equalize, raising concerns about Morocco’s ability to maintain intensity across 90 minutes.
• Matchday 3: Morocco vs Zambia (3-0)
  In their most emphatic performance, Morocco dismantled Zambia. El Kaabi scored twice, including a spectacular overhead kick, while Diaz added another. The victory not only secured top spot but also boosted morale heading into the knockout stages.

By the end of the group stage, Morocco had scored six goals and conceded only one, a testament to their balanced approach. El Kaabi and Diaz emerged as standout performers, each tallying three goals, placing them among the tournament’s top scorers.

The match will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Morocco has already enjoyed success in the group stage. Home advantage, coupled with passionate local support, could prove decisive in pushing the Atlas Lions forward.

With El Kaabi and Diaz in form, Morocco possesses the firepower to trouble any defense. Their ability to convert chances efficiently will be crucial in knockout football.

Conceding only once in three matches reflects a disciplined backline. Maintaining this defensive resilience will be vital against stronger opponents in later rounds.

Morocco’s midfield, led by Sofyan Amrabat, has shown the ability to dictate tempo. Ensuring dominance in this area will help neutralize counter-attacking teams.

Playing in Rabat offers psychological and tactical benefits. The familiarity of conditions and fervent support could provide the edge Morocco needs.

Morocco stands as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. The Atlas Lions now face the challenge of translating group-stage dominance into knockout-stage triumphs, with the dream of lifting the trophy on home soil firmly within reach.