Zambia, Morocco Rivalry Renewed in Ndola World Cup Qualifier

Zambia will look to improve a difficult head-to-head record when they face Morocco on Monday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, kicking off at 15:00.

The two nations have met eight times across all competitions and friendlies since 2008, with Morocco recording five wins, Zambia managing one victory, and two draws.

Morocco’s dominance has been evident in recent years. In their last meeting at the 2025 African Nations Championship, the Atlas Lions ran out 3-1 winners. Earlier in June, during the current World Cup qualifying campaign, Morocco edged Zambia 2-1 in Rabat. At the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, the Chipolopolo fell by a narrow 1-0 margin, while in the 2021 CHAN, Morocco once again won 3-1.

Zambia’s only recent highlight against the North Africans came in a 3-2 friendly win in June 2019, a rare away triumph in Marrakech. Apart from that result, the Chipolopolo have struggled, having also suffered back-to-back defeats in 2008 friendlies — 3-0 and 2-0 in Morocco. The only other stalemate was a 0-0 draw in 2013.

Heading into Monday’s clash, Morocco have already sealed qualification as the first African team to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, topping Group E with 18 points after crushing Niger 5-0 on Friday night. Tanzania are second with 10 points following their 1-1 draw with Congo Brazzaville. Zambia sit third on six points, level with Niger, while Congo remain bottom with one point.

For Zambia, history and current form both suggest a tough assignment. However, with the race for second place still open, the Chipolopolo will be banking on home support to try and upset the odds.