Sparks will fly as Zambia and Morocco go head-to-head at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). Which of these teams will reign supreme when it's all said and done?
Zambia vs Morocco overview
This Group F game will be played at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday January 24. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
Zambia
Zambia played out back-to-back 1-1 draws in their first two matches. They are third in Group F, two points behind their opponents.
Chipolopolo will need at least a draw if they intend to play in the knockout stages of AFCON 2024.
Morocco
On the other hand, Morocco have already qualified for the Round of 16. They are leading the group standings with four points from a possible six.
Walid Regragui will look to steer his team to victory as they take on 2012 champions Zambia.
Zambia vs Morocco head to head
These teams first met in October 1973, in the qualifying rounds of the 1974 FIFA World Cup. They've clashed a total of 18 times, and Morocco currently lead the head-to-head with 10 wins.
Two of 18 skirmishes between these outfits ended in stalemates, while Zambia emerged victorious on six occasions.
This will be the first encounter between these sides since January 2021.
Zambia vs Morocco potential lineups
Zambia will likely line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Patson Daka leading the attack. The Leicester City player was directly involved in both of Zambia's goals at this tournament, scoring once and providing one assist.
However, Rodrick Kabwe will not be available for selection, after he was sent off in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tanzania.
Meanwhile Regragui is expected to use a similar formation for this game, with Youssef En-Nesyri being the lone striker.
The Sevilla player scored three times in three appearances for Morocco this month.
On that note, these are our probable Zambia vs Morocco lineups:
Zambia
Goalkeeper: Lawrence Mulenga.
Defenders: Bendecit Chapeshi, Stoppila Sunzu, Frankie Musonda, Changa Chaiwa.
Midfielders: Kelvin Kapumbu, Fashion Sakala, Kings Kangwa, Emmanuel Banda, Lameck Banda.
Forwards: Patson Daka.
Morocco
Goalkeeper: Bono.
Defenders: Archraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saïss, Mohamed Chibi.
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah, Sofiane Boufal.
Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri.
Zambia vs Morocco tactical analysis
It's worth mentioning that Zambia have drawn three matches in a row, and those stalemates ended with the same 1-1 scoreline.
Chipolopolo are on a four-match winless run, and have not won a game since November last year.
Interestingly, while Zambia scored in six consecutive matches, they kept no clean sheets in their last five games.
On the other hand, Morocco have enjoyed some fine form lately. They are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, with five wins and two draws.
Like Zambia, Morocco have been very consistent when it comes to finding the net, as they scored in eight consecutive matches.
Zambia vs Morocco prediction
We would like to point out that both teams got on the scoresheet the last two times these teams met.
In the same vein, both teams have been consistent in goal-scoring terms, as they've both scored in their last six respective matches.
Taking into account that Zambia's last five matches featured goals at both ends, we are fairly confident that both teams will be amongst the goals.
Where to watch Zambia vs Morocco live
There are a few TV options for fans who live in Zambia, including AfroSport TV, Supersport and ZNBC Zambia.
On the other hand, Arryadia and beIN Sports will broadcast this his game for those who reside in Morocco.
