Zambia vs Morocco

Date: 24 th January 2024

Time: 9:00pm

Stadium:Stade de San Pédro




https://amp.sportsmole.co.uk/football/zambia/africa-cup-of-nations/preview/preview-zambia-vs-morocco-prediction-team-news-lineups_534602.html

The Stade de San Pedro prepares to host a drama-laden finale to Group F in the Africa Cup of Nations as Zambia takes on Morocco on Wednesday night.

The Atlas Lions and the Chipolopolo lock horns in a clash where qualification for the round of 16 hangs in the balance.

Match preview


Preview: Zambia vs. Morocco - prediction, team news, lineups

Back on the AFCON stage after a three-edition absence, Zambia are still chasing their first win in the tournament since their improbable triumph in 2012.

Two opening draws, both by an identical 1-1 scoreline, have dampened the Chipolopolo's roar, especially the latest disappointment against Tanzania in a game they were widely expected to win.

Avram Grant's men found themselves on the back foot early after Simon Msuva pounced on a quick turnover for the Taifa Stars, and matters worsened soon after defender Rodrick Kabwe received a second yellow card and sent off just before half-time, reducing Zambia to ten men.

However, the Chipolopolo dug deep and clawed their way back through Patson Daka's powerful late header, salvaging a point.

With two points from two games, the Southern Africans face a win-or-bust scenario against tournament favourites Morocco in their final group clash on Wednesday.

Failure to secure victory could see Zambia eliminated at the group stage for the third consecutive AFCON. However, the historical odds are stacked against them, having beaten Morocco only once in six meetings, losing three times and drawing twice.

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Preview: Zambia vs. Morocco - prediction, team news, lineups

Widely tipped as the tournament's strongest contenders, Morocco are targeting their second AFCON title in history.




The Atlas Lions initially lived up to expectations in their opening match, dispatching group minnows Tanzania by a convincing 3-0 margin. However, their quest for a smooth run hit a snag in their second outing, a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi got his side off to a flying start with an opening goal in the sixth minute, but Silas Katompa Mvumpa of Congo DR snatched a deserved equaliser in the 76th minute. Earlier, Cedric Bakambu had spurned a golden opportunity for the Leopards when his first-half penalty struck the woodwork.

The drama was not confined to the pitch, as a melee erupted between players and coaching staff from both sides after the final whistle, reportedly triggered by Morocco coach Walid Regragui's approach to DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba.

Despite concerns raised by the draw, Morocco have presented a solid showing - their attacking intent is evident, with 25 shots taken (11 on target) across their first two matches, and defensively, they have not been slouches either, conceding just two shots on target from the 12 they have faced.

However, their finishing needs serious sharpening. So far, they have only converted four of their 11 efforts on target, a statistic they will need to improve if they want to roar past their remaining opponents and claim the ultimate prize.

Zambia Africa Cup of Nations form:
DD


Zambia form (all competitions):
WWLDDD



Morocco Africa Cup of Nations form:
WD


Morocco form (all competitions):
DWWWWD



Team News
Preview: Zambia vs. Morocco - prediction, team news, lineups

Zambia will be without Kabwe, who will serve a one-match suspension for his dismissal against Tanzania, and he is expected to be replaced by Tandi Mwape in the starting lineup.

Grant could also shuffle things up in attack, as Clatous Chama is in contention for a starting berth after putting in a fine showing last time out, providing the assist for Daka's equaliser.

Sofiane Boufal for Abde Ezzalzouli was the only change made by Regragui from Morocco's opener, and he could stick with the same lineup from the draw with Congo DR.

Noussair Mazraoui is yet to feature in this tournament, and he remains a doubt, with the centre-back duo of Romain Saiss, formerly of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham's Nayef Aguerd, expected to start again.

Youssef En-Nesyri, who netted in the victory over Tanzania, is likely to spearhead the attack once more on Wednesday.


Zambia possible starting lineup:
Mulenga; Mwape, Sunzu, Musonda, Chapeshi; Kapumbu; Banda, Banda, Kangwa, Sakala; Daka

Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Chibi; Amrabat; Ziyech, Ounahi, Amallah, Boufal; En-Nesyri


Preview: Zambia vs. Morocco - prediction, team news, lineups
We say: Zambia 1-2 Morocco
Expect a cagey opening, with both teams wary of exposing vulnerabilities. Morocco's quality and technical finesse might give them the edge, but Zambia will not go down without a fight. The Atlas Lions have dominated this fixture in the past, and we expect this trend to continue on Wednesday.

Former champions vs favourite

Can Morocco win this AFCON because

1_1

robosky02:
Can Morocco win this AFCON because

Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria, and Morocco.

One of the above mentioned will win the AFCON

I want Ivory Coast to qualify

Ivory Coast Calculator: If Morocco can beat Zambia and DR Congo wins or draws Tanzania then we will qualify.
In summary Zambia must not win or draw.
Zambia must lose for us to qualify

geoworldedu:
Ivory Coast Calculator: If Morocco can beat Zambia and DR Congo wins or draws Tanzania then we will qualify.
In summary Zambia must not win or draw.
Zambia must lose for us to qualify

Make anything sha no happen to Nigeria if Ivory Coast manage to qualify o

Many Ivorians should be in the stadium to support Morocco because they have their key to the next round.

Godwin25king:


Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria, and Morocco.

One of the above mentioned will win the AFCON

Remove Nigeria and Morocco from the list and put E. Guinea.
The trophy goes to anyone of these:

Cape Verde
Senegal
E. Guinea

Godwin25king:


Cape Verde, Senegal, Nigeria, and Morocco.

One of the above mentioned will win the AFCON

The trophy is staying in West Africa but not in Nigeria

geoworldedu:
Ivory Coast Calculator: If Morocco can beat Zambia and DR Congo wins or draws Tanzania then we will qualify.
In summary Zambia must not win or draw.
Zambia must lose for us to qualify

The Destiny of Ivory Coast is totally in Morocco's hands.
Once Morrocco WINS, Ivory Coast QUALIFIES.

The other DRC match is inconsequential.

GanagiBitrus:


The Destiny of Ivory Coast is totally in Morocco's hands.
Once Morrocco WINS, Ivory Coast QUALIFIES.

The other DRC match is inconsequential.

Exactly. You're right.
The destiny of Ivory Coast is in the hands of Morocco

geoworldedu:
Exactly. You're right.
The destiny of Ivory Coast is in the hands of Morocco

If they are wise, they should mobilize all their Supporters & crowd to support Morocco in that match.

Civ need one of Zambia or DR Congo to lose so that they can qualify.
Interesting how only the defending champion is leaving the group stage with maximum 9 Points.

GanagiBitrus:


If they are wise, they should mobilize all their Supporters & crowd to support Morocco in that match.

They go full stadium today.

Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe share similar anthems

Let's go Zambia, let's do this for COSAFA

completeskills:
Civ need one of Zambia or DR Congo to lose so that they can qualify.
Interesting how only the defending champion is leaving the group stage with maximum 9 Points.

I don't want CIV to qualify.

Let them at least learn a life's lesson not to run other people down or conclude too early (Especially that Yaya Toure). Empty boasters make the loudest noise. Don't judge things impulsively!

This Moroccan team are heading to the finals. They are so compact

GanagiBitrus:


If they are wise, they should mobilize all their Supporters & crowd to support Morocco in that match.

Na wetin den go do before be that na. They will declare holiday for them all to go and watch the match to support Morocco and boo Zambia to lose.

This is the match that determines if Coted'ivoire will qualify or not. If Coted'ivoire is as corrupt as Nigeria, they will approach the technical crews of Zambia and promise them trillions of Zambian money if they can lose the match to Morocco

The ivoriens must be tensed right now hoping and praying that Morocco defeats Zambia and Tanzania does not beat DR Congo. If the scores stays as it is right now, they're out!

dominique:
The ivoriens must be tensed right now hoping and praying that Morocco defeats Zambia and Tanzania does not beat DR Congo. If the scores stays as it is right now, they're out!

Actually, there qualification is independent of whatever happens between Tanzania and Congo.

The only person in their way is Zambia

Morocco playing to the gallery.
Hope they will not regret this.
Unnecessary showboating.
Always respect your opponent!

Dantedasz:
Morocco playing to the gallery.
Hope they will not regret this.
Unnecessary showboating.

They won’t pass quarterfinal.

Senegal and Morocco may not go beyond quarterfinals

dominique:
The ivoriens must be tensed right now hoping and praying that Morocco defeats Zambia and Tanzania does not beat DR Congo. If the scores stays as it is right now, they're out!

I like it when a woman reads football games well.

Temi2468:


I don't want CIV to qualify.

Let them at least learn a life's lesson not to run other people down or conclude too early (Especially that Yaya Toure). Empty boasters make the loudest noise. Don't judge things impulsively!

I won’t use Yaya Toure to hate the entire CIV.
They really invested a lot and they are the host, I have that sympathy for them and want them to qualify

Goal Morocco! They've been mounting pressure on the Zambians for so long, it was only a matter of time before they score. If the score remains like this and Tanzania does not win Congo, the elephants are through to the next stage!

1-0 Morocco

Ivory Coast IN
Zambia OUT