Zambia vs Morocco match preview: Atlas Lions have destiny in their own hands as they face determined Zambians

With the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage matches winding down today, groups E and F will be drawing the curtains on the group stage matches. The Chipolopolo of Zambia will be locking horns with the Atlas Lion of Morocco at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, Ivory Coast by 9pm Nigerian time.

Zambia lost two points against Tanzania - Group F’s lowest ranked nation on matchday two as they had to rally from a goal and a man down to claim a point in the 88th minute. The result, although underwhelming, kept Zambia in the hunt for their first  AFCON Round of 16 appearance since winning the title in 2012.

With four of the best third place finishers been able to advance to the Round of 16 - a consolation prize they have a fair chance of achieving, technical adviser Avram Grant believes his side are making improvements and have displayed the character needed to defeat group leaders Morocco and guarantee their progression via a top-two finish. 

Those watching from Casablanca, Rabat and other nooks and crannies of Morocco will be watching tonight with destiny in their own hands, and with four points, Morocco are already almost certainly guaranteed a knockout phase place even if they were to finish third. They could perhaps be a touch vulnerable after struggling through a 1-1 stalemate with DR Congo, who actually remain the last team to beat them in the group stage of an AFCON (W8, D2 since), in the oppressive heat and humidity of Group F’s only 2pm local time kick-off.

That draw against Congo made headlines globally for the all-out fracas that followed the full-time whistle, prompted by an exchange involving Morocco head coach Walid Regragui. Whilst it could prove a distraction between games, they nonetheless carry momentum into this match with a seven-game unbeaten run including friendlies (W5, D2). Combine that with their recent excellent group stage record, and Morocco look well placed to at least earn them the single point that would guarantee them a top-two finish.

Players to Watch 

Zambia's Kings Kangwa, scored Zambia’s only goal against DR Congo and was on the scoresheet in a 3-2 friendly win over Morocco in 2019. Hakim Ziyech scored a brace in that friendly for Morocco, as well as their only goal against DR Congo in thier match day two encounter 

Stat Attack

Both teams have faced each other on just two occasions in all competitions (one at the AFCON and in a friendly game) and have both won once each, scoring nine goals in that process - we should be expecting a cracker.