As the Chipolopolo team prepares to face Morocco in the upcoming match tonight, many fans and analysts are feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Sports analyst Musonda Chibulu is however confident that the Zambian team has nothing to fear from their opponents if they can die a little harder and play their game.
Although Morocco is considered to be the Powerhouse of African Football, the Congolese demonstrated when they played against Morocco that the team can be vulnerable when attacked. The analyst went on to explain that while Morocco is a strong team, they have their weaknesses which the Zambian Team can take advantage of.
Chipolopolo was placed in Group F with Congo DR, Tanzania, and Morocco ahead of the 2024 AFCON. The Chipolopolo have already played their first two games which all resulted in a 1 to 1 draw granting the team two points and currently placed third on the table. The team is set to play Morocco today which is considered to be one of the powerhouses in African football.
The Analyst noted that of course, the match won’t be easy adding that both teams have a lot to play for as anything can happen on the field.
The analyst believes that if Zambia can adopt new tactics and play to its strengths, it can emerge victorious.
He did note that on paper Morocco is expected to beat Zambia, but also mentioned that what matters on the pitch is application and hard work that can lead to the next stage. He said from the two games Zambia has played so far, people may or have lost hope of the team proceeding further. Chibulu however said it is important for the players to die a little and play like it is a cup final. He said winning the next game would be important for the Chipolopolo in securing qualification, but noted that pulling off a win would be sort of a miracle.
He said a draw might be enough as there may be a possibility of the team proceeding to the next stage as one of the best 3rd-place finishers. He said it would be a very tough game, but not impossible to get a result that can take the team through.
Chibulu added that it has been a very unpredictable tournament so far also evidenced by the loss of the hosts Ivory Coast who lost their last two group games thereby epitomizing the unpredictability of the tournament. He noted that the tournament is filled with the best teams and that Zambia is bound to meet such teams if they are to progress. “If you do not meet Morocco in the group stages, you are bound to meet them in the quarter-finals or the semifinals. You are in this tournament to play the best and if you want to progress, you have to beat the best” said Chibulu.
