Softfootball understands that the AFCON continues to give an amazing experience after Cameroon defeated Gabon 1-0 yesterday. Zambia and Comoros return to action in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, meeting at the Stade Mohammed V with plenty still at stake.
Both teams are searching for momentum, and after mixed starts to the tournament, this fixture could quietly shape how the group ends up.
Zambia shared a post about the game via their official X account.
They posted:
Here we go!
Zambia opened their campaign with a 1–1 draw against Mali, and while it wasn’t perfect, it felt important. Coming into the tournament on a run of four straight defeats, the Chipolopolo showed some fight.
They went behind after Lassine Sinayoko found the net, and for long spells, Zambia struggled to create anything clear. Then, right at the end, Patson Daka popped up with a header in added time to rescue a point.
That result means Zambia are now winless in 10 AFCON matches, drawing eight of them. Still, heading into this game, confidence is there.
A win would put them in a strong position to push for qualification. The concern, though, is their recent record against Comoros.
Zambia hasn’t beaten them in three meetings over the last two years, losing twice and drawing once. Also, creating just two big chances against Mali shows there’s work to do in the final third.
Comoros were always facing a tough task against hosts Morocco in their opener. They actually held firm in the first half, keeping things level longer than many expected.
After the break, however, they faded and conceded twice. After the game, Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz was crowned the man of the match.
That defeat extended their run to five games without a win, ignoring penalty shootout results, and the last four have all ended in losses.
Another defeat here would leave Comoros staring at possible early elimination. Still, they can take some belief from their recent head-to-head record against Zambia, which has been kind to them.
Team News
Zambia are unlikely to make many changes. Despite a shaky performance, Moses Sichone is expected to trust the same core of players. Francis Mwansa, who saved a penalty against Mali, should stay in goal.
The back four of Mathews Banda, Benson Sakala, Dominic Chanda, and Frankie Musonda is also expected to remain intact. Up front, Patson Daka will lead the line again, with Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala providing width.
Comoros are also set to keep faith with their starting XI. Yannick Pandor should continue in goal after his penalty save, while Rafik Said will once again shoulder the goalscoring responsibility.
Possible Lineups
Zambia:
Mwansa; M. Banda, B. Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Chaiwa, Kangwa, Tembo; F. Sakala, Daka, L. Banda
Comoros:
Pandor; Toibubu, Soilihi, Kari, Boura; B. Youssouf, Z. Youssouf, Mohammed, Selemani; N’Changama, Said
Softfootball’s Prediction
Comoros’ unbeaten run against Zambia could play on their minds a little. But form-wise, they haven’t been convincing, and Zambia’s experience might just edge it. Expect a tight game, maybe nervy at times.
Prediction: Zambia 1-0 Comoros
