The final round of Group A in AFCON 2025 reaches its climax tonight, Monday, December 29, 2025, as the host nation Morocco takes on Zambia.1 The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat is expected to be a cauldron of noise as the "Atlas Lions" look to secure the top spot in the group and a favorable path in the knockout stages.
For Zambia, the "Copper Bullets," this is a defining moment. Despite being unbeaten in the tournament so far, their two draws have left them in a precarious position where only a result tonight can guarantee their safety.
Match Details
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group A, Matchday 3)
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 Local / 22:00 EAT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DRC)
The Group A Standings (As It Stands)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| Morocco | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| Mali | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Zambia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Comoros | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
Morocco: A win or a draw secures their place in the Round of 16. To guarantee the top spot, they must better Mali's result against Comoros.
Zambia: A win sends them through automatically. A draw might be enough to qualify as a best third-placed team, but a loss combined with a Mali win or draw could see them eliminated.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Morocco Team News: The Return of the Captain
The headline for the hosts is the anticipated return of Achraf Hakimi to the starting lineup after he was rested/managed through the first two matchdays. Brahim Díaz, who has been the star of the tournament with goals in both opening fixtures, will lead the creative charge once again.5
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, En-Nesyri, Rahimi.
Zambia Team News: Defensive Discipline
Zambia has been a tough nut to crack, conceding only one goal in 180 minutes of football. However, they have struggled for fluidity in the final third. Patson Daka, who scored the dramatic late equalizer against Mali, remains their primary hope for an upset.6
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mwanza; M. Banda, B. Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Kings Kangwa, Tembo, Simukonda; Lameck Banda, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala.7
Tactical Analysis: The Wall vs. The Wave
Morocco’s Patience: Under Walid Regragui, Morocco plays a high-possession game. With Azzedine Ounahi pulling the strings and Hakimi providing width, they will look to stretch a compact Zambian defense that typically sits very deep.
Zambia’s Counter-Strike: Coach Moses Sichone has emphasized a "contain and strike" policy. Zambia’s speed on the flanks through the Banda-Sakala duo will be their main weapon. They will aim to survive the initial 20-minute surge and exploit the space left behind by Morocco's marauding full-backs.
Head-to-Head: Recent Dominance
Morocco has established themselves as a bogey team for the Copper Bullets in recent years.
Last 5 Meetings: Morocco (5 wins), Zambia (0 wins).
Recent Encounter: Morocco won 2-0 in September 2025 during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Fun Fact: Zambia has not beaten Morocco in a competitive senior match since 1993.9
Match Prediction
Morocco is under immense pressure to deliver a statement win after their somewhat frustrating 1–1 draw with Mali on Boxing Day. Playing at home with a returning Hakimi and a red-hot Brahim Díaz, the Atlas Lions should have too much quality for a resilient but limited Zambian side.
Final Score Prediction: Zambia 0–2 Morocco
