Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Zambia-Morocco, the likely lineups
Morocco and Zambia face each other Monday at 8 p.m. at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah with the goal of closing out the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as best they can. The Atlas Lions are looking for a convincing performance after two matches in which they struggled to make an impact, while the Chipolopolo (“copper bullets”) come into the last round with a chance to qualify for the round of 16, knowing that a positive result could change their fate in Group A.
Zambia comes to the challenge with two points collected in the first two days. A late equalizer against Mali gave confidence to Moses Sichone’s team, which, however, failed to find the way of the goal against Comoros, leaving all scenarios open: from qualification as first in the group to elimination. For a national team that hasn’t made it past the group stage since the triumphant 2012 edition, the opportunity is important and the’absence of injuries or disqualifications offers Sichone the chance to field the best possible eleven, with Patson Daka still an offensive reference.
Morocco, already certain of a place in the round of 16 but not the final position in the group, arrives instead with the need to regain brilliance. The two goals scored on penalties in the first two games showed a certain difficulty in creating danger, fueling discontent among part of the public after the 1-1 draw with Mali. Walid Regragui hopes to see a reaction, although he will have to deal with some difficulties: Achraf Hakimi could start from the bench, while Romain Saiss and Hamza Igamane remain in doubt. Instead, a starting jersey is possible for Youssef En-Nesyri, ready to contend for Ayoub El Kaabi.
Probable lineups
Zambia (4-2-3-1): Mwanza; M. Banda, B. Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Tembo, Simukonda; L. Banda, Kangwa, F. Sakala; Daka. C.t. Sichone.
Morocco (4-3-3): Bono; Mazraoui, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Salah-Eddine; El Aynaoui, Ben Seghir, Ounahi; Diaz, En-Nesyri, El Khannouss. C.t. Regragui.
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