2023 AFCON: Zambia v Morocco preview

by Thando Mpembe

Tuesday Jan 23, 2024. 18:00

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will continue with a Group F match between Zambia and Morocco at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pedro.

Date: Wednesday 24 January 2024

Kick-off: 22h00 CAT

Head-to-head: In head-to-head stats, Zambia and Morocco have met in 18 matches. The Atlas Lions have claimed 10 wins compared to six for Chipolopolo, while two games have been drawn. The teams’ most recent clash was in the quarterfinals of the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with Morocco winning 3-1.

Zambia’s last three results: The Southern Africans followed their AFCON opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo with another 1-1 stalemate against Tanzania, as Patson Daka struck a late equaliser. Prior to that, Chipolopolo had recorded a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in a pre-tournament friendly. Zambia are third on the group standings on two points and will need a positive result to advance into the knockout rounds.

Morocco’s last three results: The North Africans followed their AFCON opening 3-0 win over Tanzania with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo – they allowed an early lead, established by Achraf Hakimi, to slip through their hands. Prior to that, the Atlas Lions had beaten Sierra Leone 3-1 in a pre-tournament friendly.

Team news: Zambia will be without defender Roderick Kabwe due to suspension, while Kelvin Kapumbu could lose his starting spot after an indifferent showing against Tanzania. Morocco have no reported injury issues but could shuffle up their line-up with the likes of Ayoub El Kaabi or Azzedine Ounahi.

Key players, Zambia: The attacking core of Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala will be asked to perform at the highest level, while goalkeeper Tresford Mulenga will also need to be at his sharpest.

Key players, Morocco: The Atlas Lions will want the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech to return to their best after a frustrating showing against the DR Congo.