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

Group A underdogs Zambia and Comoros will be aiming to take a big step towards progressing out of the group, but must take three points here to significantly boost their chances.

Zambia entered this tournament in dismal form, having suffered four consecutive defeats in the build-up to the finals. However, the Chipolopolo will have left their opening fixture immensely satisfied after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali.

While they were somewhat fortunate to see their opponents squander a penalty, Zambia’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser has provided a much-needed morale boost.

Meanwhile, Comoros faced a predictable struggle in their curtain-raiser, falling 2-0 to tournament hosts Morocco. Now participating in only their second-ever AFCON, they are enduring a wretched run of form, failing to win any of their last seven competitive outings (D1, L6).

Having lost four consecutive games, their survival in the tournament is under immediate threat and could be over by matchday two.

Comoros are unbeaten in the last three H2Hs (W2, D1), although both victories came in the COSAFA Cup. However, Zambia recorded consecutive victories over Comoros in 2022 and 2023.

Zambia could be without Lameck Banda who was forced off against Mali, while Comoros appear to have no new fresh injury concerns. 

Zambia (4-3-3): Lawrence Mulenga, Gift Mphande, Stoppila Sunzu, Frankie Musonda, Benedict Chepeshi, Emmanuel Banda, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kings Kangwa, Lameck Banda, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala

Comoros (4-3-3): Salim Ben Boina, Bakari Said, Kassim M'Dahoma, Abdel-Hakim Abdallah, Saïd Bakari, Youssouf M'Changama, Rafidine Abdullah, Iyad Mohamed, Myziane Maolida, Faiz Selemani, Adel Mahmoud.

Both sides arrive in poor form. Zambia have won just one of their last ten matches, while Comoros have lost their last four. We expect a low-scoring, cagey encounter, with Zambia just stealing the win.

• Zambia to win

• Under 3.5 goals