Zambia
In one of the most decisive group stage games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia and the hosts, Morocco, go head-to-head on Monday evening. The two teams, who will face each other in the final round of their group, will be guaranteed a place in the knockouts while the loser could be eliminated.
Setting and Importance Matching
This match takes place at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and kicks off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) between a strong Moroccan lineup and a determined Zambian team looking for their first victory in this tournament.
Their current position remains at the top of group A, having acquired one win and one draw, while Zambia have remained winless following two draws with Mali and Comoros. A Chipolopolos win will be their first win in the group stage since 2012 and will see them qualify for the round of 16 for the first time in over a decade.
This AFCON encounter will be the fourth continental competition encounter between the two countries:
• 1986 AFCON – Won by 1-0 through an own
• 1998 AFCON – 1
• 2023 AFCON – Morocco 1-0
Morocco have a huge advantage in the matches between the two, with Morocco winning 14 matches out of the total 22 played, while Zambia have six wins with two draws. Morocco have also won the last five games between these two teams.
Zambia’s Road So Far
The campaign of Zambia has been one of frustrated promise, draws with Mali and Comoros so far at AFCON 2025; they now lie level on points with Mali in the group. A win would not only take some pressure off the team but also take them into the round of 16 something they haven’t achieved since 2013.
Group Dynamics of Morocco
Morocco meanwhile have come into the group the strongest, unbeaten in two matches. Under the tutelage of head coach Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have not tasted defeat in 21 matches and have never lost an AFCON group match for 13 consecutive encounters. Brahim Díaz has been the outstanding performer, scoring in both of Morocco’s group fixtures thus far.
Recent form for the host nation makes them firm favourites to close out the group with maximum points and keep their bid for Africa’s top prize on track.
What’s at Stake
• For Zambia: A victory would translate to a move into the next stage and an end to the troubles experienced over the past few years, during which the team failed to progress
• For Morocco: Top of group A will be guaranteed with three points, and it is their first major tournament as hosts.
This rivalry is expected to be filled with drama and excitement, with the two teams fighting for spots in the AFCON.