Wednesday 24 January | Stade de San Pedro | 22:00
It’s come down to the last game of the pool stages and Zambia have it all to do if they want to book their spot in the knockout stages. However, they face a tough encounter with the top-ranked side of the continent. Current Group F leaders, Morocco, need to avoid defeat it they want to book themselves a ticket to the last 16.
To Win
Zambia 44/10
Draw 23/10
Morocco 6/10
Zambia
Zambia will feel like they have all to play for as they enter the last game of the group stage with the taunting task of beating Morocco.
The head coach of Zambia, Avram Grant, knows his team must show no fear when they are up against a side that reached the semi-finals of the previous World Cup. Zamia currently occupy third spot in Group F, with two points on the board. It goes without saying, they need a big result to advance to the knockout rounds of the competition.
Zambia will be without defender Roderick Kabwe due to suspension, while Kelvin Kapumbu could lose his starting spot after an indifferent showing against Tanzania in matchday two. Grant knows how much of a tough task it will take for his team to win on Wednesday. The coach went on to add, “We already know that Morocco is a big team, but we are not afraid of them. We will play them, and I hope we will put up a good performance”.
Morocco
After being held to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their second game of the competition, it’s quite clear that it’s not as simple to qualify as it looks. Despite not picking up maximum points in that one, Morocco remain top of Group F, after their 3 nil win on opening day over Tanzania.
With the North African nation on the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds, they will want to hold nothing back. I am expecting the Atlas Lions to be more determined than ever to wrap up their group stage campaign with a victory when they lock horns with Zambia. Due to the points tally, a draw would also seal progression to the next stage of the competition.
Head coach Walid Regragui has spoken about how his team won’t be pressured by the task of sealing qualification. “The first thing we need to do is forget about the first matches we had. It is a very difficult tournament both physically and mentally, and each match has its reality”, says Walid.
Prediction: Morocco win
To be honest, this Moroccan team are an impressive side and let’s not forget the heroics they did at the FIFA World Cup. Having won against Tanzania and drew to DR Congo, the last match should prove to be the ultimate test for the Atlas Lions.
They will be up against Zambia who will be desperate to win their last game too, and have all to play for. This will be the last game of the AFCON tournament so by then we would have known where & who the winner will be.
Written by Lilitha Bodlani