By SCM Sports Correspondent
IT was billed as a Friday night thriller in the historic heart of Casablanca, but Zambia and Comoros served up a Moroccan dry-spell that left fans craving a goal more than a cold drink in the desert.
The legendary Mohamed V Stadium, a venue that has seen some of African football’s greatest nights, played host to a tactical chess match that ultimately ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.
Zambia’s Chipolopolo arrived at the “Stade d’Honneur” looking to ignite their AFCON campaign, but they found the Comoros defense as stubborn as the Casablanca traffic. Despite the pedigree of the venue—a 45,000-seater cauldron that usually shakes with noise—the only thing rattling last night was the woodwork and the nerves of the Zambian coaching staff.
VAR DRAMA
The islanders of Comoros thought they had pulled off a Moroccan Miracle in the 19th minute. Myziane Maolida poked the ball home to send the traveling fans into raptures, only for the fun-police in the VAR room to chalk it off for a foul in the build-up.
Zambia’s star man, Patson Daka, cut a lonely figure upfront. He spent most of the evening chasing shadows across the pristine Casablanca turf, as Stefano Cusin’s disciplined Comoros side refused to read the script.
STADIUM SLUMP
While the Mohamed V Stadium provided a world-class backdrop under the clear Moroccan skies, the action on the pitch failed to live up to the surroundings.
Zambia dominated possession in the second half, but their finishing was more “Pub League” than “Premier League.”
Lubambo Musonda had the chance to steal the headlines with four minutes to go, but he lashed his effort high into the Casablanca night sky, much to the disbelief of the Zambian faithful.
The result leaves Group A wide open. Zambia now face a daunting “do-or-die” clash against hosts Morocco in their final pool game. If they play like this again, it won’t just be the Casablanca wind blowing them out of the tournament.
