Chipolopolo Face Hosts Morocco in Crucial AFCON Showdown

Zambia's national team will face their sternest test yet when they take on host nation Morocco this evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with both sides chasing vital Group A points to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Kick-off is at 21:00 CAT (20:00 local time in Rabat), with the match broadcast live on ZNBC.

Manager Moses Sichone is expected to field a familiar 4-3-3 formation with goalkeeper Willard Mwanza behind a back four of Mathews Banda, Benson Sakala, Dominic Chanda, and Lubambo Musonda. The midfield trio of Kings Kangwa, Owen Tembo, and David Simukonda will look to provide the platform for attacking trident Lameck Banda, captain Fashion Sakala, and Leicester City striker Patson Daka.

Zambia enter the clash sitting third in the group on two points after two draws, with Daka's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Mali followed by a frustrating goalless stalemate against Comoros. The 2012 champions remain unbeaten but are yet to hit their stride at Morocco 2025.

Morocco, meanwhile, top Group A with four points from their opening fixtures. The Atlas Lions needed two second-half goals to overcome Comoros in their opener before being held 1-1 by Mali, with Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz converting a penalty before Lassine Sinayoko equalised from the spot. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Morocco have yet to convince their home supporters with their open-play performances.

The history between these sides favours the North Africans, who have won the last five meetings including a 2-0 victory in World Cup qualifying just three months ago. However, Sichone remains bullish about his team's chances. "We need a positive attitude. Morocco can be beaten," the manager insisted at Friday's press conference.

For Morocco, star right-back Achraf Hakimi may finally feature after sitting out the opening two matches, though Romain Saiss and Hamza Igamane remain injury doubts. Youssef En-Nesyri could be handed his first start ahead of Ayoub El Kaabi as coach Walid Regragui seeks more cutting edge from his attack.

A win would virtually guarantee Zambia's passage to the round of 16 and keep alive hopes of a repeat of their miraculous 2012 triumph. Chipolopolo will need to end their 11-match winless run at AFCON stretching back to that golden tournament to keep their campaign alive.