The Stade de San Pedro prepares to host a drama-laden finale to Group F in the Africa Cup of Nations as Zambia takes on Morocco   on Wednesday night.

The Atlas Lions and the Chipolopolo lock horns in a clash where qualification for the round of 16 hangs in the balance.

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Back on the AFCON stage after a three-edition absence, Zambia are still chasing their first win in the tournament since their improbable triumph in 2012.

Two opening draws, both by an identical 1-1 scoreline, have dampened the Chipolopolo’s roar, especially the latest disappointment against Tanzania in a game they were widely expected to win.

Avram Grant’s men found themselves on the back foot early after Simon Msuva pounced on a quick turnover for the Taifa Stars, and matters worsened soon after defender Rodrick Kabwe received a second yellow card and sent off just before half-time, reducing Zambia to ten men.

However, the Chipolopolo dug deep and clawed their way back through Patson Daka’s  powerful late header, salvaging a point.

With two points from two games, the Southern Africans face a win-or-bust scenario against tournament favourites Morocco in their final group clash on Wednesday.

Failure to secure victory could see Zambia eliminated at the group stage for the third consecutive AFCON. However, the historical odds are stacked against them, having beaten Morocco only once in six meetings, losing three times and drawing twice.

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Widely tipped as the tournament’s strongest contenders, Morocco are targeting their second AFCON title in history.

The Atlas Lions initially lived up to expectations in their opening match, dispatching group minnows Tanzania by a convincing 3-0 margin. However, their quest for a smooth run hit a snag in their second outing, a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi got his side off to a flying start with an opening goal in the sixth minute, but Silas Katompa Mvumpa of Congo DR snatched a deserved equaliser in the 76th minute. Earlier,Cedric Bakambu  had spurned a golden opportunity for the Leopards when his first-half penalty struck the woodwork.

The drama was not confined to the pitch, as a melee erupted between players and coaching staff from both sides after the final whistle, reportedly triggered by Morocco coach Walid Regragui’s   approach to DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba.

Despite concerns raised by the draw, Morocco have presented a solid showing – their attacking intent is evident, with 25 shots taken (11 on target) across their first two matches, and defensively, they have not been slouches either, conceding just two shots on target from the 12 they have faced.

However, their finishing needs serious sharpening. So far, they have only converted four of their 11 efforts on target, a statistic they will need to improve if they want to roar past their remaining opponents and claim the ultimate prize.

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Zambia will be without Kabwe, who will serve a one-match suspension for his dismissal against Tanzania, and he is expected to be replaced by Tandi Mwale  in the starting lineup.

Grant could also shuffle things up in attack, as Clatous Chama  is in contention for a starting berth after putting in a fine showing last time out, providing the assist for Daka’s equaliser.

Sofiane Boufal for Abde Ezzalzouli  was the only change made by Regragui from Morocco’s opener, and he could stick with the same lineup from the draw with Congo DR.

Noussair Mazraoui is yet to feature in this tournament, and he remains a doubt, with the centre-back duo of Romain Saiss,   formerly of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd  , expected to start again.

Youssef En-Nesyri , who netted in the victory over Tanzania, is likely to spearhead the attack once more on Wednesday.

Zambia possible starting lineup:
Mulenga; Mwape, Sunzu, Musonda, Chapeshi; Kapumbu; Banda, Banda, Kangwa, Sakala; Daka

Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Chibi; Amrabat; Ziyech, Ounahi, Amallah, Boufal; En-Nesyri

Prediction: Zambia 1-2 Morocco

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com