The 2012 AFCON champions against the tournament's fairy tale story from 2021. But this clash carries an extraordinary statistical burden: Zambia haven't won an AFCON finals match since lifting the trophy thirteen years ago. Ten games, zero victories. Can Patson Daka and the Chipolopolo finally break this haunting curse?
The weight of history
Zambia's AFCON record since 2012 is almost incomprehensible. The team that won Africa's greatest prize with that emotional triumph in Gabon—on the same soil where their predecessors perished in 1993—has since endured a decade-plus nightmare: eight draws and two defeats across three tournament appearances.
The latest chapter continued against Mali when, despite being outplayed for large periods, Daka's 90+2 header snatched a point. That moment of relief underscored both Zambia's resilience and their inability to control games.
Comoros: from miracle to reality check
The Coelacanths captured hearts at AFCON 2021, reaching the round of 16 in their first-ever appearance and pushing Cameroon close with a goalkeeper playing outfield. But Morocco's 2-0 defeat in their opener showed the gap between romantic underdogs and genuine contenders.
Amir Abdou's side created little in that match. Just two shots on target against a Morocco team that wasn't at their clinical best either. If Comoros replicate that passive approach, Zambia should finally have enough.
Tactical approaches
Zambia will dominate this game territorially. Avram Grant's team has the technical quality to keep possession and probe patiently. The problem has always been finishing—they had fewer shots than Mali despite chasing the game.
Daka provides the cutting edge. The Leicester City striker is Zambia's talisman, and his aerial ability proved decisive against Mali. With Fashion Sakala providing pace alongside him, Zambia have enough firepower if they can create chances.
Comoros will sit deep and try to frustrate. Their 5-4-1 formation against Morocco was designed to stay compact, but it offered nothing going forward. El Fardou Ben Nabouhane will be isolated up front unless Comoros change their approach.
Key battle: Zambia's creativity vs Comoros' organization
The match will be decided by whether Zambia can unlock Comoros' defensive block. Enock Mwepu's absence through injury is felt keenly—his ability to thread passes through tight spaces was crucial to Zambia's qualifying campaign.
If Comoros can keep the game scoreless until the final 20 minutes, Zambian nerves may resurface. The psychological weight of that winless run cannot be ignored—every missed chance will bring back painful memories.
Set pieces could be decisive
Given the likely low block from Comoros, set pieces offer Zambia their clearest route to goal. Daka's header against Mali came from exactly this situation. Comoros struggled to deal with Morocco's aerial threat, conceding both goals from situations where their smaller defenders were exposed.
Watch for Zambia overloading the box on corners and free kicks. If they can't break through in open play, they'll look to manufacture opportunities from dead-ball situations.
The prediction
This is Zambia's best chance to end their nightmare. Comoros lack the quality or ambition to punish them, and the Chipolopolo's desperation should translate into a more aggressive performance than against Mali.
Zambia 2-0 Comoros. The first goal will release the tension, and Comoros don't have the tools to chase the game. Expect Daka to score again and perhaps Lubambo Musonda or Sakala to add a second. Finally, after thirteen years, Zambia will celebrate an AFCON victory again.