The Atlas Lions didn’t just win; they sent a terrifying message to the rest of the continent. Morocco dismantled Zambia 3-0 on Monday night, turning their final Group A clash into a procession.

For the hosts, this victory on home soil solidifies their status as undisputed title contenders. But for Zambia’s Chipolopolo, the night ended in heartbreak and another premature exit, reshaping the knockout bracket as Mali joined the North African giants in the Round of 16.

A First-Half Blitz

The gulf in class was evident from the opening whistle. Olympiakos striker Ayoub El Kaabi wasted no time, punishing the Zambian defense after just nine minutes. He capitalized on a precise cross from Azzedine Ounahi, slotting home to ignite the home crowd.

Zambia struggled to find a rhythm against a Moroccan side teeming with European pedigree. The pressure mounted, and in the 37th minute, the inevitable happened.

Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz, operating with lethal freedom, unleashed a right-footed shot to double the lead. It marked his third goal of the tournament, a statistic that underscores his growing influence on African football.

VAR Drama and Finality

Any hope of a Zambian resurgence was extinguished shortly after the break. In the 50th minute, El Kaabi produced a moment of magic with an acrobatic finish.

While the linesman’s flag initially cut the celebrations short, a tense VAR review overturned the offside call, awarding the goal and effectively ending the contest.

The result had significant ramifications for the Group A standings:

• Morocco: Finished top of the group with a perfect record.
• Mali: Secured the second qualification spot after a 0-0 stalemate with Comoros.
• Zambia: Eliminated from the tournament, continuing a frustrating run on the continental stage.

As the dust settles on Group A, the question isn't just who can beat Morocco, but on this form, who can even get close to them.