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Join on Telegram Morocco head into today’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 group match against Zambia knowing only a win will keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Senegalese referee Adalbert Diouf will blow the kick-off whistle at 3:00 PM Morocco time (GMT+1). Fans can catch the action live on beIN Sports France, beIN Sports MENA 6 HD, and SuperSport.
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The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Angola but slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Kenya. The result leaves them at the bottom of Group A, with three points a must at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
Head coach Tarik Sektioui stressed the need for focus and discipline. “We have learned the necessary lessons after our defeat against Kenya and we are now focused on a victory against Zambia to take the three points,” he said.
Sektioui acknowledged the criticism following the Kenya result. “Criticism from fans is normal. What is not normal is for the national team to lose and people be happy. There are huge efforts being made to make the Moroccan people happy despite the circumstances,” he said.
The coach pointed to limited preparation for several players, with some joining the squad without prior training sessions. “Despite these difficulties, it is our duty to make the Moroccan people happy and choose line-ups that suit each player’s situation and the group as a whole,” he added.
Zambia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult tournament. Defeats to DR Congo (2-0) and Angola (2-1) have ended their qualification chances, but the Chipolopolo are targeting their first points of the campaign.
Zambia coach Avram Grant urged his side to respond positively. “We didn’t want to lose the two games but it is part of the game. We are concentrating in our team not opponents. Sometimes you lose and draw. We will not copy Morocco but play something that is good for us. We respect Morocco and they play good,” he said.
Grant added: “There is no perfect game. We created chances but it happens. We will do everything to win tomorrow. We need to have the winning mentality, show the character after the disappointing two losses. We hope the players react well.”
Predicted Score:
Morocco are more likely to win. Zambia have lost both games and conceded four goals, while Morocco have shown they can create chances. If they finish better, a 2-0 win for Morocco looks the most likely result.
