Zambia vs Morocco Prediction: We expect an open game with goals in both ends

The Atlas Lions and the Chipolopolo of Zambia are gearing up for an intense match at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday. With a spot in the knockout phase on the line, both teams will put everything on the line to secure the win. However, we are confident that one team will emerge victorious, and that team will be the one that plays with the most passion, skill, and determination. Regardless of the outcome, this match is sure to be an exciting one for fans of both sides.

Zambia

FIFA Ranking: 81st

The Chipolopolo of Zambia head here with a commanding performance against Tanzania. Zambia conceded with just eleven minutes on the pitch, and things became worse for them when Rodrick Kabwe was shown a red card before the break. The Chipolopolos were the better side despite being a man down, and after several attempts at goal, Patson Daka scored in the 88th to strengthen his side's hope in this tournament. 

The victory was a morale booster for Zambia as they head here with two points from a combined six. Avram Grant's men have now drawn their last three games, scoring three and conceding three. 

The Cooper Bullets return to the AFCON tournament for the first time since 2015. Zambia secured thirteen points from a possible eighteen, winning the group ahead of a robust Ivory Coast side. 

Patson Daka has been in blistering form for Zambia in the qualifiers, scoring five goals to send his side to the AFCON competition next year.

Zambia Likely Lineup: Mulenga; Mwape, Sunzu, Musonda, Chapeshi; Kapumbu; Banda, Banda, Kangwa, Sakala; Patson Daka

Key Player: Patson Daka

Morocco

FIFA Ranking: 13th

The Atlas Lions march here with a share of the spoils against a robust DR Congo. Morocco drew the first blood when Acharf Hakimi found the back of the net, and DR Congo were presented with an opportunity to level, but Cedric Bakambu missed from the spot. Their opponent wanted it more after the break and finally got the goal in the 77th minute to split points. The result broke the ground open as any of the three teams in the group could find themselves in the knockout phase. 

Morocco are one of the most consistent teams in this tournament but have managed to lift the trophy once. Morocco's last appearance in this competition earned them a 5th place finish after being knocked out by Egypt in the Quarterfinals. 

The best-ranked team in Africa have won five and drawn twice over their last seven games across all competitions. Morocco are the favorite to win this group, but their recent games suggest it won’t be an easy ride. 

Morocco Likely Lineup: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Chibi; Ounahi, Amrabat, Ziyech, Harit; El Khannouss, En-Nesyri

Key Player: Youssef En-Nesyri

Expert Betting Tips

Over their previous four meetings, Morocco have won twice while Zambia have won once and a game ending in a tie. The Atlas Lions were not at their best against DR Congo and could have lost the game if their opponent had been effective in front of the goal. On the other side, Zambia were lucky to have shared the spoils against ten-men Tanzania. 

Morocco need just a point here to advance to the next round, but after the Egypt game, chasing a point might be risky as anything can happen here. This tournament has produced some great results lately, and we expect something like that here. To be on the safe side, I think both teams will come out and express themselves, which will likely result in a total of over 2.5 goals 2.21.

Morocco can be vulnerable at the back, but Zambia will definitely concede here; bet on Morocco's halftime win for 2.26.

We expect Zambia to at least get a goal here; bet on BTTS for 2.18.

Good luck!