Chipolopolo Face Morocco in Must-Win Clash

Kick-off: 15:00 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola

Zambia welcomes already-qualified Morocco to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this afternoon, with everything to play for in their quest to keep 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive.

The Chipolopolo sit third in Group E, and while automatic qualification is no longer possible, a playoff route remains. Nothing less than victory will suffice today if Avram Grant’s men are to stay in the race.

Zambia have struggled for consistency during the qualifiers, managing just one on-pitch win, a 4-2 result over Congo, while their only other three points came via a walkover. Recent form has also been trying, with no wins in seven matches across all competitions and a worrying goal drought in four of those.

Still, Zambia will hope the likes of Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala can inspire a turnaround in front of a packed home crowd. “We’re playing a big team. It’s all the motivation we need,” said midfielder Kings Kangwa ahead of the clash.

Morocco, on the other hand, has already sealed their World Cup ticket, winning all six group matches with an impressive 19 goals scored and only two conceded. Coach Walid Regragui has hinted at rotating his squad but insists his side will play to win.


The Chipolopolo will need to produce something special to upset their in-form opponents but with home support and attacking talent, an upset is not off the cards.

Confirmed Lineups:

Zambia XI:
Nsabata (GK); Chisala, Chongo, Mphande, Daka; Chaiwa, F. Sakala; Banda, Kangwa (C), E. Banda; S. Sakala

Morocco XI:
Bounou (C, GK); Masina, El Yamiq, Belammari, Chibi; Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Ben Seghir, El Khannouss, Igamane; En-Nesyri