Three Goals in Three Matches at AFCON! Real Madrid Winger Brahim Diaz Roars in Celebration, Leads Morocco to Historic Feat

In the third round of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, host Morocco defeated Zambia 3-0, finishing first in the group with seven points and advancing to the knockout stage. Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz continued his impressive form, scoring in three consecutive matches, becoming the first Moroccan player in 49 years to achieve a hat-trick of AFCON appearances with goals.

The 26-year-old Brahim Diaz was born in Malaga, Spain, to a Moroccan father. He previously represented Spain at U17, U19, and U21 levels and even made his senior debut, but ultimately chose to play for Morocco. Against Zambia, wearing the No.10 jersey, he scored Morocco’s second goal in the 27th minute, calmly slotting in a shot after a team buildup. Diaz celebrated passionately, pointing to his teammates in thanks as the stadium of 62,532 fans erupted.

Earlier in the tournament, Diaz opened the scoring in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Comoros and converted a decisive penalty in a 1-1 draw with Mali. His three consecutive goals make him the first Moroccan player to achieve such a feat since Ahmed Faras in 1976. Since his AFCON debut in March last year, Diaz has scored 11 goals in 18 appearances, boasting an impressive scoring rate.

Despite limited opportunities at Real Madrid this season—12 La Liga games with no goals, six Champions League matches with one goal, and fewer starts than 18-year-old rising star Mastantono—his AFCON performances prove that Diaz deserves a more prominent role and greater trust at club level.