Zambia vs Morocco prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 29, 2025
One of the closing matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage will take place on Monday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where hosts Morocco will face Zambia. Here’s a bet suggestion with solid odds for a successful outcome.
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Match preview
Zambia still have a shot at reaching the knockout stage, but only a win will keep their hopes alive. After two hard-fought draws—1-1 against Mali and 0-0 with the Comoros—the team has shown admirable defensive resilience, but has struggled mightily in attack. The only goal came from Patson Daka in the dying moments against Mali, while all other attempts were fruitless. This defensive approach might help with compactness, but overcoming Morocco’s quality and motivation will be a daunting challenge.
The coaching staff is banking on discipline, and the defensive setup has paid off: just one goal conceded in two games. However, when it comes to creativity up front, Zambia are clearly lacking—even leaders like Fashion Sakala and Lubambo Musonda often find themselves isolated. Zambia will look to strike on the counter, but if they concede first, their chances of coming back are slim.
Morocco, meanwhile, are confidently marching towards topping the group. The Atlas Lions defeated the Comoros (2-0), but faced unexpected resistance from Mali in the second round, settling for a 1-1 draw. Despite the setback, Morocco controlled most of the game and were close to victory. In the final round, Achraf Hakimi is expected to return to the starting lineup, providing a boost both in attack and on the flanks defensively.
Even without Hakimi and several other key players, Morocco have maintained a solid level of play and self-assurance. Ziyech, Ounahi, Amrabat, and El Kaabi provide balance between attack and defense, and with this lineup, Morocco will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. There’s little need for them to take risks—a draw secures top spot, while a win would simply underline their class and ambition.
Probable lineups
- Zambia: Mwanza, M. Banda, Sakala, Chanda, Musonda, Chaiwa, Kangwa, Tembo, F. Sakala, Daka, L. Banda
- Morocco: Bono, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Ounahi, Ziyech, Dias, El Kaabi, Boufal
Match facts and head-to-head
- Zambia have not won in two matches and have scored just one goal in the tournament.
- Morocco remain unbeaten in the group, scoring three and conceding only once.
- Morocco have won all five of their last head-to-head encounters with Zambia.
Prediction
A draw is enough for Morocco to secure top spot, while Zambia must win at all costs. However, in terms of squad quality and tournament form, the Atlas Lions are clear favorites. Zambia will sit deep, but it’s unlikely they’ll withstand the pressure. Expect a narrow win for the tournament hosts.
