CHAN: Morocco defeat Zambia in match marked by controversy

Group A favorites Morocco are back into contention at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Zambia 2-1 to confirm Chipolopolo’s elimination on Thursday in a game marked by controversy at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

Oussama Lamlioui’s second half header gave Morocco a two-goal lead that was enough for the Atlas Lions to hold on for the victory. However, a disallowed goal for Zambia shortly before Lamlioui’s match winner created a controversial moment in a game that Morocco failed to put away.

The North African side completely dominated the first half and should have scored more than one goal. Captain Mohamed Hrimat’s calm finish into the top corner just before halftime came after Youssef Mehri cushioned a header across the penalty area.

But Zambia recovered and gave favorites Morocco plenty of resistance in the second half and the moment of dispute arrived in the 65th minute.

Happy Nsiku rose highest to nod in a long throw-in from Mathews Banda but the referee’s whistle arrived while Nsiku ran off to celebrate. Morocco defender Marouane Louadni went down under minimal contact in the area of Nsiku’s header, which apparently provoked a foul call that looked questionable at best.

Shortly after, Morocco pounced on a loss of focus from the Zambian side when Oussama Lamlioui arrived to power in a header from Mehri’s perfect cross. A couple minutes after, Zambia substitute Andrew Phiri bundled in from close range after Kabaso Chongo’s header was blocked on the goal line by a scrambling Moroccan defense.

However, Zambia could not find an equalizer and in the final moments, Sabir Bougrine confirmed victory for Morocco with a routine finish after Zambia goalkeeper Francis Mwansa saved an initial shot attempt.

With three losses in three games, Zambia are now eliminated from contention for the quarterfinals ahead of their final Group A match against co-hosts Kenya. Morocco move into second place, one point back of Kenya, but still have a difficult final game on Sunday against DR Congo with both teams battling for second place and potentially the status of group winner. DR Congo can move level on six points with Morocco if they defeat Angola later today, another team also firmly in contention.

Group A Table

1. Kenya- 7 points (3 games played)
2. Morocco- 6 points (3 games)
3. Angola- 4 points (3 games)
4. DR Congo- 3 points (2 games)
5. Zambia- 0 points (3 games)