Morocco bounce back with 3-1 win, Zambia exit CHAN
Two-time champions Morocco reignited their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a clinical 3-1 win over Zambia in Nairobi on Thursday night.
Goals from Mohamed Hrimat, Oussama Lamlaoui, and Sabir Bougrine secured the Group A victory at Nyayo National Stadium, keeping the Atlas Lions’ quarter-final hopes alive after their defeat to hosts Kenya.
The result leaves Morocco in a far stronger position ahead of their final group fixture, while Zambia’s third successive loss ends their slim qualification chances.
The other Group A fixture between Angola and DR Congo will take place later tonight.
Morocco Strike Before the Break
Morocco started with urgency, aware that only a win would keep them in contention. The early stages were marked by a series of corners and half-chances, with Khalid Aït Ouarkhane, Abdelhak Assal, and Youssef Mehri all testing Zambia’s defensive line.
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Mehri’s delivery from a corner found Hrimat, who rifled a right-footed shot into the top corner to make it 1-0.
The goal was no less than the Atlas Lions deserved after dominating possession and territory, forcing Zambia goalkeeper Francis Mwansa into multiple saves.
VAR Drama and Quickfire Goals
The second half began with Zambia showing more intent, introducing Charles Zulu and Andrew Phiri to increase attacking threat.
They thought they had levelled in the 65th minute when Happy Nsiku bundled the ball over the line, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for a foul in the build-up.
Within a minute, Morocco doubled their lead. Mehri again provided the assist, this time floating in a cross that Lamlaoui met with a precise header into the bottom corner for 2-0.
Zambia responded almost immediately.
Phiri, a constant menace since coming on, reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to slot home from close range in the 70th minute, giving Avram Grant’s side hope of a comeback.
Bougrine Seals the Win
As Zambia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco exploited the space left behind.
Substitute Bougrine, introduced in the 85th minute, made the game safe in stoppage time.
After Lamlaoui’s shot was parried by Mwansa, Bougrine pounced to fire home from the centre of the box, sealing a 3-1 victory.
Youssef Mehri was the creative heartbeat for Morocco, assisting the first two goals and consistently finding space between the lines.
Lamlaoui’s work rate and movement stretched Zambia’s backline, while Hrimat anchored the midfield with authority.
For Zambia, Phiri’s impact off the bench was notable, but defensive lapses and poor marking at set-pieces proved costly.
Group A Outlook
The win moves Morocco into contention for a place in the knockout stages, depending on results elsewhere.
With Angola and DR Congo meeting later tonight, the group remains delicately poised heading into the final round. Zambia, meanwhile, will play for pride in their last fixture.