The Zambia national football team, also known as the Chipolopolo, held a training session on Sunday in preparation for their crucial Group Stage match against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With qualification still uncertain, the team is under pressure to perform. Zambia’s campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Mali, followed by a goalless stalemate with Comoros on Friday.
Despite the pressure, Zambia captain Fashion Sakala expressed confidence in his team’s ability to take on the tournament favorites. “The history between our teams shows that this game is evenly matched,” Sakala said. “We’re not intimidated by Morocco’s reputation, as we’ve beaten big teams before. We’re approaching the match with full confidence and ready to give it our all.”
Morocco, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Mali, which saw them dominate the game but ultimately settle for a point. The team was whistled off the pitch, and their frustration was compounded by two VAR-reviewed penalty decisions that went against them. However, there is some positive news for the hosts, as defender and captain Achraf Hakimi is nearing a return from an ankle injury.
Hakimi expressed his desire to regain his confidence and contribute to the team’s success. “My goal is to play a few minutes with the team and help Morocco win the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. With both teams facing intense pressure and little room for error, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling and high-stakes encounter.
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international football tournament in Africa, featuring the continent’s top national teams. The tournament has a rich history, with Zambia and Morocco both having won the competition in the past. The current edition is being closely watched by football fans across the continent and around the world.
As the Group Stage reaches its climax, the match between Zambia and Morocco is likely to have significant implications for the tournament’s outcome. A win for either team could secure their qualification for the next round, while a loss could put their chances in jeopardy. With the stakes high and the intensity palpable, the match is set to be an exciting and closely contested affair.