The second day of Group A action at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got underway on Friday evening as Zambia’s Chipolopolos faced the Comoros Coelacanths at the Casaoui Stadium in Casablanca, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m.
Backed by a large and vocal crowd, Comoros started the match with intent, clearly eager to claim their first victory of the tournament. The Coelacanths applied sustained pressure throughout the first half, registering seven shots, although only one forced the Zambian goalkeeper into a save.
The defining moment of the opening period came in the 22nd minute when Comoros thought they had taken the lead. A well-worked move ended with the ball in the back of the net, sparking celebrations in the stands, but those celebrations were short-lived as the referee ruled the goal out, much to the frustration of the Comorian players and supporters.
Despite the setback, Comoros continued to push forward. Farid El Melali Maolida and Youssouf M’Changama both tried their luck from long range, testing Zambia’s defensive organisation, but clear chances remained scarce in what developed into a physical and disjointed contest. The match saw a total of 15 fouls in the first half alone, underlining the tense and scrappy nature of the encounter.
Zambia, meanwhile, struggled to gain control of the game and spent long spells absorbing pressure, relying on defensive discipline to keep the score level heading into the break.
The stakes are high in Group A, and the outcome of this match could prove decisive in shaping the final standings. With Comoros showing attacking ambition but lacking a breakthrough, and Zambia focused on containment, the second half promises even greater intensity.
In the stands, Comorian supporters created a vibrant atmosphere, waving oversized flags and beating tambourines as they urged the Coelacanths forward with every attack — a reminder of how much this historic AFCON appearance means to the island nation.
As the teams head into halftime with the score still goalless, all remains to play for in Casablanca.