AFCON Wrap: Late forays fail to break the deadlock as Zambia and Comoros share spoils

Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca provided a vibrant backdrop as Zambia and Comoros locked horns in their second Group A assignment, a clash that carried significant weight with both sides desperate to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. For the Islanders, it seemed their breakthrough had arrived in the 20th minute when Myziane Maolida found the net, sparking celebrations. Yet the joy was short-lived, as VAR intervened to rule the goal out due to a foul in the build-up, leaving Comoros frustrated and the contest finely poised. 

From that moment, the rhythm of the game became increasingly fractured, with both teams struggling to establish control or carve out clear opportunities. Zambia sought to impose themselves with measured possession, while Comoros looked to strike on the counter, but neither side could find the decisive touch in the final third. As the minutes ticked away, tension grew, and despite flashes of intent from both camps, the deadlock held firm. 

By the time the referee blew for full-time, the scoreline remained goalless, forcing the teams to settle for a share of the spoils. Zambia sit second in the group with two points from their opening two fixtures, while Comoros are rooted to the bottom with just a single point, leaving both nations with everything still to play for in their final group encounters.

Angola and Zimbabwe canceled each other on Friday as they played to a 1-1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations outing that was played at Marrakesh Stadium.

The Warriors had fallen 2-1 to the seven-time champions Egypt in the previous game in Group B, the same margin Angola lost to Bafana Bafana.

Both needed victory to enhance their chances of making it out of the pool; Palancas Negras opened the scoring in the 24th minute courtesy of Gelson Dala who converted to Carneiro's assist.

However, former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Knowledge Musona levelled matters after finding the back of the net thanks to a good pass from Bill Antonio.

Zimbabwe will now play South Africa in their final group game as Angola play Egypt.

Both Morocco and Mali will be hoping to get a positive result in the top-of-the-table clash to be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions lead the race with three points from their 2-1 over Comoros while Mali have one from their draw with the Chipolopolo.

The game will be played from 22.00 hours SAT. 

The two top teams in every group are guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 of AFCON, as eight nations face elimination.

The other eight teams can give their best to be among the best top-three finishers to make it to the next phase of the tournament.