Morocco's Nayef Aguerd, left, and Zambia's Benson Sakala compete for a header during the Africa Cup of Nations group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, December 29, 2025. THEMBA HADEBE / AP
Host nation Morocco and South Africa advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations’ knockout stage on Monday, December 29, when Egypt star Mohamed Salah got a rest with his team already through.
Morocco made sure of its place in the last 16 with a 3-0 rout of Zambia. The hosts topped Group A to stay on course for having all their knockout games in Rabat’s near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also stage the final on January 18.
Other teams celebrate
Results in Group A, where Comoros finished third with two points, and Group B, where Angola did likewise, set off celebrations elsewhere. That's because teams with more than two points and already assured of at least third place in their groups have reached the last 16.
