Hosts Morocco cruised to victory over Zambia to secure top spot in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as they welcomed back captain Achraf Hakimi from injury.
The Atlas Lions, who only had a two-point cushion over second-placed Mali after taking four points from their first two games, started with intent in Rabat and Ayoub El Kaabi headed them in front in the ninth minute from a short corner routine.
Brahim Diaz made it 2-0 midway through the half, slotting in Abde Ezzalzouli's low cross from the centre of the box for his third goal of the finals. El Kaabi netted a brilliant bicycle kick five minutes into the second half to make it 3-0, with the goal ruled onside after a check by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Morocco, chasing their first Afcon title since 1976, had the luxury of introducing influential Paris St-Germain right-back Hakimi just after the hour mark following nearly two months on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
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