Two-time champions Morocco bounced back in style, defeating Zambia 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi to keep their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign alive.

The win moves the Atlas Lions just one point behind Group A leaders Kenya, while Zambia’s elimination from the tournament was confirmed after their third successive defeat on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Morocco started the match with urgency, knowing only a win would keep their quarter-final hopes alive. They dominated the early stages, creating multiple chances through Khalid Aït Ouarkhane, Abdelhak Assal, and Youssef Mehri. The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Mehri’s corner found Mohamed Hrimat, who rifled a right-footed shot into the top corner to make it 1-0.

The second half saw Zambia respond, introducing Charles Zulu and Andrew Phiri to increase attacking pressure. They appeared to have equalised in the 65th minute through Happy Nsiku, but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up. Morocco took advantage immediately, with Mehri again providing the assist for Oussama Lamlaoui, who met the cross with a precise header to double the lead.

Morocco secure vital victory

Zambia fought back, and Phiri’s quick finish in the 70th minute reduced the deficit to 2-1, giving them a brief hope of a comeback. However, Morocco sealed the win in stoppage time through substitute Sabir Bougrine, who finished after Lamlaoui’s shot was parried by Zambia’s goalkeeper Francis Mwansa.

Youssef Mehri was Morocco’s creative force, assisting the first two goals and constantly probing Zambia’s defence. Lamlaoui stretched the backline with his movement, while Hrimat controlled the midfield effectively. Zambia, despite Phiri’s impact off the bench, were undone by defensive lapses and poor marking at set pieces.

With this result, Morocco close the gap to just one point behind Kenya in Group A. Angola and DR Congo are set to face each other later, meaning the final quarter-final spots are still to be decided. For Zambia, their CHAN journey comes to an end, leaving them to play their final group game for pride.

Morocco’s performance highlighted their quality and resilience, proving that despite an early setback in the tournament, they remain serious contenders for the knockout stages.