Zambia will target advancement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they face tournament hosts Morocco in their final Group A match, set for the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday night. Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2), LIVE on SuperSport.
CURRENT FORM
Zambia have registered two draws at the Afcon thus far: striking late in their opening game to hold Mali 1-1, before a goalless stalemate (the first of the tournament) with Comoros in Casablanca on Friday evening.
Morocco, meanwhile, opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Comoros, but on Friday they could only draw 1-1 with Mali in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions claimed the lead via a Brahim Diaz penalty late in the first half, but the Eagles struck back via a spot kick of their own, converted by Lassine Sinayoko.
The hosts therefore missed out on the chance to win Group A with a game to spare.
The results have left Morocco top of the log on four points, with Mali and Zambia tied on two points, and Comoros in fourth place on one point.
For the Atlas Lions, a draw will secure progression as one of the top two (likely first place), while Zambia need a win to guarantee a top-two finish – but a draw could be enough to keep them in the running for one of the best third-place finishers.
Three teams will learn their fate (two advancing, one eliminated), while the other will be left waiting for Matchday 3 results from the other groups to know if they continue in the Afcon or not.
---- NIGERIA ONLY ----
WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING
Zambia coach Moses Sichone was angered by Fashion Sakala’s petulant response to being substituted against Comoros:
“Fashion was not happy with my decision to substitute him, but this is the national team — not an individual team. If a player is not performing, we must give others a chance. So yes, he was upset.
“This is something I need to address, especially because he is the team captain. When you are chosen to lead, you must lead by example. I cannot accept such behaviour.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was left frustrated by their draw with Mali:
“We tried until the end, but the Mali national team also defended their chances with great pressure. Frankly, we deserved to win this match and we should have capitalised on the few opportunities we had, which we failed to do.
“We are improving our level little by little, and this match will help us develop. The most important thing for us is to win the next match and secure first place.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zambia – Patson Daka
With Zambia likely to have less possession than their opponents, making the most of the chances that come their way will be top of mind for Patson Daka, who will need to lead the line with patience and persistence.
Morocco – Brahim Diaz
The Real Madrid attacker has scored in both of Morocco’s matches thus far, and looks to be the key to unlocking opposition defences thanks to his mercurial movement and fast feet in tight situations.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Zambia and Morocco have met in 22 matches dating back as far as 1973. The Atlas Lions have claimed 14 wins compared to six for Chipolopolo, while two games have been drawn.
The teams met as recently as September, with Morocco winning 2-0 in a Fifa World Cup qualifier played in Ndola – courtesy of goals from Youssef En Nesyri and Hamza Igamane.