Comoros and Zambia will play their second Group A game at Stade Mohammed V on Friday as they continue their quest for the Africa Cup of Nations.

After a 1-1 draw with Mali in their first game, the Zambians are in second place in the group. Their opponents, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the ranks after losing 2-0 to hosts Morocco in their first game.

Zambia may have missed out on victory in their opener, but the Chipolopolo can take heart from the result, especially after entering the tournament on the back of four consecutive defeats.

In extra time, Patson Daka’s header saved a point for Moses Sichone’s team after Lassine Sinayoko’s shot put them behind. The Zambians didn’t have a good chance until that point.

Zambia has now gone 10 games without a win in the tournament, with two losses and eight draws.

Zambia will be more confident going into their game against Comoros because they know that a win could move them closer to a highly sought-after spot in the knockout rounds.

But they haven’t won any of the three games against the same opponents in more than 2 years; they’ve tied once and lost twice.

With just two clear opportunities crafted against Mali, Zambia will be eager to sharpen their attacking edge and find more creativity in the final third.

Comoros entered their opener against Morocco bracing for a stern test, aware of the threat posed by the tournament hosts’ relentless form.

Yet, Stefano Cusin’s side held their own in the first half, frustrating Morocco before succumbing to two second-half goals.

That result means that the Comorians are now winless in their last five fixtures – excluding penalty shootout victories – with the last four ending in defeat.

A loss to Zambia would further dent their record, but for Comoros, the greater concern is the looming threat of an early exit from the tournament.

That said, Cusin’s charges can draw inspiration from their recent record against opponents, having been unbeaten against Zambia (W2, D1), a run dating back to September 2023.