Atlas Lions of Morocco on spotlight in a cagey fight against Chipolopolo of Zambia

Posted : 23 January 2024

The Atlas Lions of Morocco entered the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with high expectations on their shoulders, being recognized as the most improved African team in the FIFA ranking, especially after their impressive performance in the last World Cup in Qatar.

However, the Atlas Lions of Morocco appear to be under scrutiny after playing two matches in the ongoing AFCON 2023. Although the team announced its presence with a commanding 3-0 win over the tournament's weaker side, Taifa Stars of Tanzania, who were a man short.

The second match of the Atlas Lions of Morocco, which should have been thoroughly investigated for several infractions, almost exposed the team as lacking in-depth technical abilities against stubborn teams. They settled for a 1-1 draw against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The last match against the one-time winners of AFCON, the Chipolopolo of Zambia, will play a significant role in defining the character of the Atlas Lions of Morocco, who are still seeking their second AFCON glory after 48 years since winning it in 1976.

For the match against Chipolopolo of Zambia, the Atlas Lions of Morocco need an emphatic victory; otherwise, others in the competition will regard them as ordinary.

The match against the Chipolopolo of Zambia will be the third encounter between both teams in AFCON, with previous meetings taking place in the group stages: Morocco won 1-0 in 1986 before a draw in 1998 (1-1). Zambia and Morocco’s last encounter was in AFCON 2021, with Morocco winning 3-1 in Cameroon.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco are unbeaten in their last 10 Africa Cup of Nations group stage matches, winning eight and drawing two since losing to DR Congo in 2017. Seven of Morocco’s last nine Africa Cup of Nations goals have been scored via a set piece, including their most recent goal against DR Congo via a corner.

Morocco has scored at least once in each of their last 11 games at the Africa Cup of Nations, their joint-longest run of scoring in the competition, also netting in their first 11 games between 1972 and 1978.

In recent times, Achraf Hakimi has scored (3) or assisted (1) four of Morocco’s last eight goals at the Africa Cup of Nations. At the 2023 AFCON, he has created more chances (6) than any of his Moroccan teammates.

On the other hand, the Chipolopolo of Zambia have won none of their last 11 AFCON matches against North African teams (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia), drawing five and losing six. Zambia has drawn eight of their last nine matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, losing the other against Cape Verde in 2015.

Zambia has only conceded seven goals in their last 12 Africa Cup of Nations matches, although they’ve conceded in their last two. They haven’t gone three in a row without a clean sheet since between January 2008 and January 2010 (five in a row).

Patson Daka has been involved in both of Zambia’s goals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (1 goal, 1 assist). He’s the first Zambian player to score and assist at an AFCON tournament since 2012.

Zambia’s last win at the AFCON dates back to 2012 when they beat Ghana 1-0 in the semi-finals. They went on to lift the trophy in the final – beating Ivory Coast on penalties – but that game is one of eight draws they’ve played out in their last nine matches, losing the other against Cape Verde in 2015.

This year, their two opening games ended in 1-1 draws against DR Congo and Tanzania. The latter was a particularly disappointing result given Avram Grant’s side were decent favorites to win that match. Instead, they required a late Patson Daka header to save a point after defender Rodrick Kabwe had been dismissed just before half-time.

In this match, the Chipolopolo of Zambia needs to win to guarantee qualification for the last 16. A draw won’t necessarily eliminate them, but DR Congo is favorites against Tanzania, and three points in total will leave it touch-and-go as to whether they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Atlas Lions of Morocco on spotlight in a cagey fight against Chipolopolo of Zambia

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