The Chipolopolo put up a spirited second-half performance, but it was not enough to stop Morocco from running away as the 2-1 winners of the Group E 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Morocco last night.
Friday night’s loss further derails the Chipolopolo’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup. They remain with only three points after three rounds of matches played.
Morocco took the lead as early as the fifth minute as the Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, pointed to the penalty spot to penalize Chipolopolo’s Stophila Sunzu for bringing down Youssef En-Nesyri in the area.
Hakim Ziyech stepped up from the spot and beat goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga, who had a slight touch on the ball. However, the former Chelsea winger’s effort was too powerful, and it ended up in the back of the net.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the first-half with Avram Grant’s Chipolopolo sticking to their defensive tactical approach, having started with a five-man backline.
Chipolopolo’s best chance of the first half came just before the break. Patson Daka teed up Emmanuel Banda just outside the box, but the Croatian-based player could not get a strong touch on the ball, leading to his effort going wide off target.
Morocco doubled their lead through teenager Eliesse Ben Seghir in the 67th minute after slotting home a cross by Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz who capitalized on a break down by Emmanuel Banda in the Zambian midfield.
Patson Daka was then presented with the Chipolopolo’s best chance of the encounter after 74 minutes played as Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba sent a delightful ball into the box to find the unmarked Leicester City man who nodded wide off target.
Edward Chilufya, who came on for Kampamba in the 78th minute, scored a face-saving goal for the Chipolopolo two minutes after his introduction. He beat the Moroccan defenders for pace before catching Yassine Bounou at his near post.
The goal was Chilufya’s debut for the senior national team on his ninth international appearance for the Chipolopolo.
Chipolopolo will now shift focus to Tuesday’s encounter against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Morocco continues leading the standings in Group E with 6 points from two games played.
