Victory on Monday will secure Morocco top spot in Group A, as the host nation face Zambia in their final group-stage fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Atlas Lions will be keen to dispel any growing doubts surrounding their status as clear favourites to lift the trophy after failing to overcome Mali in their previous outing.
Morocco, who opened the campaign with a 2-0 success over Comoros, were held to a 1-1 draw by the Eagles, with both goals coming from the penalty spot. That outcome denied the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists the chance to wrap up group honours with a match to spare.
Zambia, by contrast, arrive in far greater need of a victory as they attempt to avoid a fourth consecutive group-stage elimination at the AFCON, having failed to win either of their opening two matches.
The Chipolopolo began with a 1-1 draw against Mali before a disappointing goalless stalemate with Comoros, an encounter in which they failed to register a single shot on target throughout the contest.
Without a victory in their last six matches (D2, L4), Zambia are still searching for their first AFCON win since the 2012 final, when they famously defied the odds to lift the trophy. Another upset will be required on Monday to keep their hopes alive.
How the bookies view it: Almost no chance for an upset
Despite Morocco’s slip-up against Mali, the bookmakers remain firmly convinced that the hosts will return to winning ways, offering little room for belief in another dropped point.
The Atlas Lions are priced at 1/5 with Ladbrokes, while Zambia are listed at 11/1 and the draw is available at 9/2.
Recent head-to-head: Clear dominance from Morocco
Morocco have enjoyed sustained success in this fixture, winning each of their last five meetings, including clashes in August and September across the African Nations Championship and World Cup qualifiers.
Overall, the Atlas Lions have claimed 14 wins from 22 previous encounters (D2, L6), with Zambia’s last victory in this matchup dating back to 1993.
Players to watch: Brahim Diaz to continue scoring streak?
Lameck Banda’s struggles in front of goal remain a concern for Zambia, with the attacker failing to score in his last 10 appearances for the Copper Bullets as he searches for a breakthrough.
At the other end, Brahim Diaz continues to shine. The Morocco forward was the top scorer during the AFCON qualifiers with seven goals and has carried that form into the tournament, finding the net in both of the opening two matches.
Attention will once again centre on Diaz on Monday, as he looks to score in three consecutive international matches for the first time in his senior career. An anytime effort from the Real Madrid man is priced at 8/5 with Ladbrokes.
Probable lineups
Zambia appear to have a clean bill of health heading into the contest.
Morocco, however, could again be without experienced defender Romain Saiss following his early withdrawal in the opening fixture, while Achraf Hakimi remains a doubt.
Zambia: Mwanza; M Banda, B Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Tembo, Simukonda; L Banda, Kangwa, F Sakala; Daka
Morocco: Bono; Mazraoui, El Yamiq, Aguerd, Salah-Eddine; El Aynaoui, Ben Seghir, Ounahi; Diaz, En-Nesyri, El Khannouss
Anything else that catches the eye?
Brahim Diaz has averaged 2.4 shots on target across his two appearances at the 2025 AFCON, making the 12/5 price on Betano for two or more efforts on target particularly appealing.
Morocco have won nine of their last 10 matches on home soil, keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. A similar outcome looks likely here, especially with Zambia losing five of their last six games and failing to score in their previous four outings.
The hosts have also struck at least twice in five of their last six meetings with Zambia, a pattern further supported by Morocco scoring two or more goals in three of their last four matches overall.
GambleAware