CAN 2025: Morocco’s Round of 16 Qualification – Group A Scenario

Moroccan supporters have certainly already started the apothecary calculations to know when their team will qualify for the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations.

After their great inaugural victory against the Comoros (2-0) and their draw against Mali (1-1), the Atlas Lions saw their qualification delayed and will have to wait until Monday to validate it.

Obviously, a success against Zambia on Monday December 29 would guarantee them a ticket for the next round with first place as a bonus, especially after Zambia’s draw against the Comoros (0-0).

A draw would also be enough for Walid Regragui’s men, who could also finish first in the group if the goal difference is in their favor or if Mali do not beat Comoros at the same time.

Finally, and this is where you have to get out the calculators, Morocco could also qualify as the best third with four points. For the moment, there are not enough matches from the second day played in the other groups to know the trend but during CAN 2023, the Ivorians moved into the group of best thirds with three points before lifting the trophy at home.

At present, only Egypt has validated its ticket for the round of 16 with two victories in as many matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe. It could be joined by Senegal this Saturday (4 p.m.).

Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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