Survival Showdown: Morocco and Zambia brace for high-stakes CHAN clash

With the group stage clock ticking down, Morocco and Zambia step into Thursday’s encounter knowing that only victory will keep their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 dreams alive.

At Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, pride, redemption, and a quarter-final lifeline are all on the line.

Both sides have endured frustrating starts. For Morocco, a shock defeat to Kenya has left them teetering on the edge. For Zambia, two opening losses have tested their resilience and resolve.

But in tournament football, the present matters far more than the past — and on this stage, either team could rewrite their storyline.

Grant Calls for Character After Tough Start

Zambia coach Avram Grant knows his team is in must-win territory. After losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, his message is simple: respond with belief and intent.

“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, whose experience spans World Cups and continental finals, is demanding a mindset shift.

“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.”

A win for the Chipolopolo would not just lift them off the bottom of Group A — it would keep them in the quarter-final conversation, with everything still possible before the group’s final day.

Sektioui Demands Discipline and Mental Toughness

On the opposite bench, Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui faces his own survival mission. His Atlas Lions, currently fourth in the group, cannot afford another slip-up.

“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 has spent the days since the Kenya loss tightening tactics and correcting mistakes.

“The most important thing is the lessons we learned from the defeat. We analyzed our performance and corrected the shortcomings observed to meet the challenge of the Zambia match and honor the national flag.”

And while the statistics suggest Morocco has the upper hand, the coach refuses to underestimate the challenge.

“It will not be easy because in modern football there are no weak teams anymore, as they all have access to the same techniques and preparation conditions. The only difference is the mindset and the mentality to win.”

Zambia’s Fragile Right Flank vs. Morocco’s Need for Precision

Zambia’s defensive vulnerability — particularly down the right — has been an open invitation for opponents. Four goals conceded in the tournament have stemmed from this side, a weakness Morocco will be eager to exploit.

Players like Youssef Belaamari could play a decisive role if they can combine bold overlapping runs with quick link-up play to unpick the Chipolopolo backline.

But Morocco’s issue isn’t creating opportunities — it’s finishing them. Against Kenya, too many passes into the box lacked precision or timing. The wide players will need to stretch Zambia’s defence, force errors, and deliver with conviction.

Players Aware of the Weight of the Occasion

Morocco’s Amine Souane says the squad understands what’s at stake.

“Preparations for the match against Zambia are going well and the players are aware of the responsibility they have.”

For Souane, it’s about changing the mindset from the Kenya defeat.

“In the match against Kenya, we lacked the finishing touch, but the defeat is now behind us and we will approach the next match in a different way and with a different mindset to secure a victory.”

One Match, Two Destinies

The equation is straightforward — win and the dream stays alive, lose and the journey ends prematurely. For Zambia, this is a chance to transform a faltering campaign into one of resilience.

For Morocco, it’s about reclaiming their identity as a continental force and proving that a stumble doesn’t define a tournament.

When the whistle blows in Nairobi, the stakes will be clear: one team’s survival, one team’s heartbreak.