Preview: Morocco Faces Zambia in Crucial Africa Cup of Nations World Matchup

LUSAKA, Zambia (Interstat) — Morocco brings its unbeaten form to Zambia on Monday in a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations World group stage match.

The fixture, set for Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, pits a confident Moroccan side against a Zambian team seeking to rebound from a disappointing loss.

The visiting Atlas Lions of Morocco (1-0-1) arrive following a 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday, Dec. 26. That result extended their steady start to the campaign, which began with a 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Zambia’s Chipolopolo (0-1-1), meanwhile, are under pressure after a 1-0 home defeat to Comoros on Friday. Their tournament opened with a 1-1 draw at Mali on Monday, Dec. 22, meaning they have scored just one goal in two matches.

The statistical outlook heavily favors Morocco. Interstat’s game simulator projects a decisive 3-0 victory for the visitors. This aligns with Morocco’s stronger recent results and deeper roster of internationally experienced players.

Morocco’s attack, which has produced three goals in two games, will test a Zambian defense that conceded at home to Comoros. Zambia’s primary challenge will be generating offensive chances against a disciplined Moroccan back line that has kept one clean sheet already.

Historically, Morocco has dominated this matchup, winning the last three encounters by a combined score of 7-0. Zambia’s last victory against the North African side came in 2012.

A win for Morocco would solidify its position atop the group and ease its path to the knockout rounds. For Zambia, avoiding defeat is critical to keeping its advancement hopes alive before the final group matches.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT).