Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco in convincing form as they dispatch Zambia

RABAT, Dec 29 : ‌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