AFCON

PREVIEW Group A: Zambia face wounded Comoros in Casablanca

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Zambia face Comoros in a crucial Group A clash at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Friday, with both sides seeking their first win.

Zambia drew 1-1 with Mali thanks to Patson Daka’s late equalizer, while Comoros fell 2-0 to hosts Morocco. This sets up a high-stakes encounter where Chipolopolo’s attacking intent meets Comoros’ defensive resilience.

Previous Meetings

  • Zambia and Comoros have met several times recently, with results evenly split:
  • June 2025 (COSAFA Cup): Zambia 0–1 Comoros
  • July 2024 (COSAFA Cup): Comoros 1–0 Zambia
  • Sept 2023 (AFCON Qualifier): Comoros 1–1 Zambia
  • July 2023 (COSAFA Cup): Zambia 2–1 Comoros
  • June 2022 (AFCON Qualifier): Zambia 2–1 Comoros
  • Overall, Zambia have 2 wins, Comoros 2 wins, and 1 draw in their last 5 meetings.

Team Performances in Opening Matches

Zambia vs Mali (1–1):

  • Struggled for long periods but showed resilience.
  • Patson Daka scored a dramatic stoppage-time header to rescue a point.
  • Willard Mwanza saved a crucial penalty, keeping Zambia alive.
  • Wingbacks Lubambo Musonda and Mathews Banda provided energy and creativity.

Comoros vs Morocco (0–2):

  • Comoros defended bravely, with goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saving an early penalty.
  • Morocco eventually broke through with goals from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.
  • Comoros showed discipline but lacked attacking penetration.

Group A Standings (after Round 1)

Predicted Lineups

  • Zambia (4-2-3-1):
    Willard Mwanza (GK); Lubambo Musonda, Benson Sakala, Dominic Chanda, Mathews Banda; Miguel Chaiwa, Owen Tembo; Fashion Sakala, Kings Kangwa, Sabobo Banda; Patson Daka
  • Comoros (4-3-3):
    Yannick Pandor (GK); Yannis Kari, Ahmed Soilihi, Kenan Toibobu, Ismael Boura, Benjaloud Youssouf, Iyad Mohamed, Faiz Selemani, Youssouf M’Changama, Rafiki Said, Zaydou Youssouf

Key Battles

  • Patson Daka vs Ahmed Soilihi: Zambia’s striker will test Comoros’ defensive shape.
  • Fashion Sakala vs Yannis Kari: Pace and dribbling against Comoros’ compact wing-back system.
  • Midfield duel: Chaiwa and Kangwa must control possession against Comoros’ captain M’Changama.

Tactical Setups

Zambia enter with momentum after their late equalizer, while Comoros must regroup after defeat. Expect Zambia to push aggressively for three points, but Comoros’ resilience and Pandor’s goalkeeping could make this a tense, low-scoring battle.

Kelvin Musako

Kelvin Musako

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