AFCON 2025: Zambia vs Morocco preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Zambia’s 2025 AFCON journey has been built on resilience rather than flair. The Copper Bullets have held firm in back-to-back draws, first against Mali (1-1) and then in a goalless stalemate with Comoros. 

While defensive discipline has kept them competitive, attacking output remains a major concern, highlighted by their failure to register a single shot on target in their most recent outing.

Those struggles reflect a broader dip in form, with Zambia now winless in six matches across all competitions (D2, L4). 

Their history at AFCON has also been unforgiving in recent times; since lifting the trophy in dramatic fashion in 2012, they have failed to win a single match at the finals (D9, L2). 

With another early exit looming, goal difference may yet decide whether they can sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams, making damage limitation a key objective here.

Morocco, meanwhile, arrive frustrated after missing the chance to wrap up Group A on matchday two. 

A penalty-laden 1-1 draw against Mali delayed their celebrations, but the Atlas Lions remain firmly in control of their destiny. 

Avoiding defeat would be enough to secure qualification for a fifth consecutive AFCON knockout stage, though the hosts will be aiming for much more than that.

The hosts tend to finish group stages strongly, remaining unbeaten in their final AFCON group match since 2010 (W4, D2).

Do not forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY.

Morocco boast a commanding record in this fixture, having won 14 of the previous 22 meetings (D2, L6). 

They have also triumphed in each of the last five encounters, including two recent victories in August and September. Zambia’s last competitive success against the Atlas Lions dates back to July 1993.

Zambia come into the contest without any new injury concerns and are expected to stick largely with the side that has shown defensive resolve in the opening two matches.

Morocco will again monitor the fitness of Achraf Hakimi, who is yet to feature in the tournament. 

Brahim Diaz has been one of the standout performers so far, scoring in both group games, and will be aiming to make it three in a row, something he has never achieved at senior level.

 Zambia: Mwanza; Mathews Banda, Benson Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Kangwa, Tembo, Simukonda; Lameck Banda, Daka, Fashion Sakala

Morocco: Mazraoui, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat; Díaz, El Aynaoui, Ounahi, Saibari; En Nesyri

After reviewing our predictions, be sure to visit the Livescore Bet to stake on your favourite games with enticing odds.

Zambia’s organisation may help them keep things tight early on, but Morocco’s superior quality, depth and tournament experience should eventually tell. Expect the hosts to control possession and create the clearer chances as they push to seal the top spot.

Correct score prediction: Zambia 0-2 Morocco

Betting tips:

Morocco to win

Under 2.5 goals

Morocco to score first