Morocco, once considered favorites, find themselves on the brink after a stunning 1-0 loss to Kenya. Their campaign, which began with such promise, has now been cast into doubt. The Atlas Lions currently sit third in Group A, while Zambia, after falling to both Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are rooted to the bottom. For both, the past is irrelevant; it’s the present—and a single, fateful match—that will determine their destiny. The match kicks off at 5 pm local time, with fans around the continent tuning in via SuperSport and beIN Sports, eager to witness a true survival battle (Morocco vs Zambia LIVE streaming info).
Zambia’s head coach, the veteran Avram Grant, is no stranger to high-pressure encounters. After a rocky start to the tournament, his message is clear: character and belief must be their guiding lights. “We didn’t want to lose the two games but it is part of the game. We are concentrating in our team not opponents,” Grant said, underlining his focus on a mindset shift. Grant, who’s led teams at World Cups and continental finals, knows only a victory can revive the Chipolopolo’s hopes. “We need to have the winning mentality, show the character after the disappointing two losses. We hope the players react well.”
On the opposite bench, Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui faces a trial by fire. The defeat to Kenya forced him to recalibrate, tighten tactics, and demand more from his men. “We have learned the necessary lessons after our defeat against Kenya and we are now focused on a victory against Zambia to take the three points,” Sektioui declared. He’s acutely aware that modern football leaves no room for complacency: “There are no weak teams anymore, as they all have access to the same techniques and preparation conditions. The only difference is the mindset and the mentality to win.”
Both teams have their vulnerabilities. Zambia’s right flank has been a glaring weakness, contributing to four goals conceded in the tournament. Morocco will likely target this area, with dynamic players such as Youssef Belaamari poised to make overlapping runs and test the Chipolopolo defense. However, Morocco’s struggles have been in the final third—against Kenya, their approach play lacked the sharpness needed to convert chances into goals. The Atlas Lions will need clinical finishing and attacking width to break down Zambia.
For the players, the weight of the moment is immense. Moroccan forward Amine Souane summed up the squad’s mood: “Preparations for the match against Zambia are going well and the players are aware of the responsibility they have. In the match against Kenya, we lacked the finishing touch, but the defeat is now behind us and we will approach the next match in a different way and with a different mindset to secure a victory.”
Historically, Morocco holds the upper hand, having won the previous three encounters against Zambia in this competition. But in the cauldron of knockout football, history offers little comfort. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the scenario is stark: the winner breathes new life into their campaign; the loser faces the heartbreak of an early exit. This is more than a match—it’s a test of nerve, pride, and the relentless pursuit of continental glory.