Zambia vs Morocco prediction: AFRICA: Africa Cup of Nations betting tips on match 2024-01-23 20:00.
Zambia dropped two points against Group F’s lowest ranked nation on matchday two, though the picture could’ve been a whole lot worse for them, as they had to battle back from a goal and a man down to claim a point in the 88th minute. That result, while disappointing, kept Zambia in the hunt for their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout appearance since winning the title in 2012.
Despite knowing four best third-placed sides will advance to the Round of 16, a consolation prize they have a fair chance of achieving, head coach Avram Grant believes his side are improving and have shown the character needed to defeat group leaders Morocco and guarantee their progression via a top-two finish. Grant could also point to wins over South Africa (2-1) and the Ivory Coast (3-0) in 2023 as well as a draw with DR Congo last week as recent evidence that they’re capable of challenging and beating higher ranked nations.
Morocco’s fate remains in their own hands, and with four points they’re already almost certainly guaranteed a Round of 16 place even if they were to finish third. They could perhaps be a touch vulnerable after struggling through a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, who actually remain the last team to beat them in the group stage of an AFCON (W8, D2 since), in the oppressive heat and humidity of Group F’s only 2pm local time kick-off.
That draw against Congo made headlines globally for the all-out fracas that followed the full-time whistle, prompted by an exchange involving Morocco head coach Walid Regragui. Whilst it could prove a distraction between games, they nonetheless carry momentum into this match with a seven-game unbeaten run including friendlies (W5, D2). Combine that with their recent excellent group stage record, and Morocco look well placed to at least earn them the single point that would guarantee them a top-two finish.
Players to watch: Kings Kangwa, who scored Zambia’s only goal against DR Congo, was on the scoresheet in a 3-2 friendly win over Morocco in 2019. Hakim Ziyech produced a double in that friendly for Morocco, as well as their only goal against DR Congo.
Hot streak: Zambia’s last five matches saw both teams score on the day.