Reborn El Kaabi Inspires Morocco’s 6-0 Crushing of Congo in World Cup Qualifier.
2026 World Cup qualification Africa
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Match Report
Morocco’s Atlas Lions tonight offered their highly demanding fans a crushing 6-0 victory over Congo in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup at the Agadir Stadium.
The game began with an overwhelming dominance by Morocco in the early minutes, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi taking full advantage of poor marking by the Congolese defense to score the evening’s opening goal just eight minutes into the match.
The Moroccan team kept the pressure high from there on. And by the 16th minute, Morocco was already leading 2-0 as Chadi Riad capitalized on another defensive error.
Next, the in-form Ayoub El Kaabi announced himself to Atlas Lions fans who might have been asking whether he would be as devastatingly lethal for the national team as he has been with his club in recent months.
Courtesy of a beautiful assist by right-back Achraf Hakimi, the Olympiacos striker scored his first goal of the evening -- and Morocco’s third -- to put the Atlas Lions in a comfortable position that would eventually allow them to unleash their full creativity and firing power against an increasingly clueless and seemingly lost Congolese side.
Congo’s defense seemed unable to cope with Morocco’s relentless attack, and their frustration became evident with a series of fouls, resulting in three yellow cards.
By halftime, the score was already 4-0, with El Kaabi scoring his second goal of the match in the 39th minute, this time assisted by Ounahi.
The Congolese defense was left in shambles for the remainder of the game, unable to contain the Moroccan forwards. Despite making two substitutions in an attempt to bolster their defense, Congo’s efforts were in vain as the halftime whistle blew.
The second half began with Congo trying to regain some control, but it was Morocco who continued to shine. In the 53rd minute, Ayoub El Kaabi completed his hat-trick with a stunning header, once again assisted by Ounahi, bringing the score to 5-0.
Yet, as if sensing a golden opportunity to reconcile with their fans, many of whom have been left disappointed by the team’s recent performances, the Atlas Lions continued their relentless pursuit of goals. In the 62nd minute, Soufiane Rahimi added to Congo’s misery by scoring the sixth goal of the night, with Brahim providing the assist.
Despite occasional efforts to mount an attack, Congo was consistently forced to retreat, unable to break through Morocco’s solid defense.
While Achraf Hakimi and other key players were reliable and almost spectacular tonight, it is Ayoub El Kaabi who stood out as the player of the match with three goals and an assist.
Almost six years after announcing himself to Morocco and the world by impressing at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Olympiacos man may have reannounced himself tonight as a newborn striker Morocco can count on.
Should El Kaabi, whether playing alongside or in replacement of En-Nesyri, maintain the momentum and form he has rediscovered in the Greek league, Morocco may be on the verge of hitting the attacking formula that has eluded them for decades as they chased an end to a generational cycle of disappointing deja-vus at the AFCON.
Line-ups
Congo XI: Ravy Tsouka, Yhoan Andzouana, Fred Dembi, Ganvoula, Gaius Makouta, Mons Bassouamina, Passi, Alain Ipiélé, C. Massanga, Owen-Césaire Matimbou, Christ Makosso
Subs: William Hondermarck, Jason Bahamboula, Trey Vimalin, Glid Otanga, Loick Ayina, A. Koxy, Melvin Douniama, Inno Jospin Loemba, Tsoumou Likibi, Dechan Moussavou, C. Atipo
Morocco XI: Bounou, Ziyech, Amrabat, Aguerd, Hakimi, Brahim, A. El Kaabi, Azzedine Ounahi, Yahia Attiyat Allah, Chadi Riad, Eliesse Ben Seghir
Subs: Munir, Mohamed Chibi, En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Abdel Abqar, Achraf Dari, Oussama Targhalline, Amine Adli, El Mehdi Benabid, Ismael Saibari, Ilias Akhomach, Bilal El Khannouss