On a cool evening in Casablanca, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 served up its first goalless draw. Zambia and Comoros battled to a 0-0 in their second Group A match at Stade Mohammed V, a game high on energy and nerves but short on the final touch. It was tense, it was tight, and it leaves qualification on a knife’s edge.

The key flashpoint came early and set the tone. Comoros believed they had struck first when Myziane Maolida slid the ball home in the 19th minute. But after a lengthy check, the goal was overturned by VAR, a decision confirmed deep into first-half stoppage time. From there, both teams pushed, both teams tired, and both teams left feeling they could have done just a bit more.

VAR decision defines a finely balanced contest

Moments like this can make or break a group race. Maolida’s finish looked like the perfect platform for Comoros to build on. The VAR review stretched into the halftime break, and when the call finally came, the goal did not stand. The relief for Zambia was clear. The frustration for Comoros lingered.

Even with the setback, Comoros stayed brave. They kept their shape, waited for their chance, and kept Zambia honest on the break. But the early drama had already shaped the match’s rhythm. From then on, neither side found the quality in the box to tilt the result.

“That VAR call may decide Group A — it’s that tight.”

Zambia’s front line presses, but the finish never arrives

Zambia wanted tempo and pressure. With Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka leading from the front, they tried to pin Comoros back and force errors. The effort was there, the runs were sharp, and the shots came from promising spots. Yet the final pass or the clean strike stayed out of reach.

Avram Grant turned to his bench to find a spark. J. Sabobo for F. Sakala (62′) gave fresh legs, while Kenneth Musonda for Lameck Banda (70′) added penalty-box presence. O. Tembo (77′) arrived to steady things late on. Zambia kept knocking, but Comoros defended the box with real discipline.

Comoros show grit and a late push in Casablanca

For Comoros, this was a performance built on calm defending and quick transitions. Even after the disallowed goal, they stayed composed. The bench mattered too: Faïz Selemani for Maolida (77′) and R. Vita for I. Boura (77′) were designed to add legs and fresh ideas down the stretch.

Their biggest late chance fell to Selemani, who headed over in the 81st minute. It was a warning for Zambia and a reminder that Comoros can create the big moment when it matters. But just like their opponents, they could not find the one clean finish to win it.

“Comoros are brave, but who scores the big one against Mali?”

Group A stakes: every point now feels huge

This was more than a draw; it was the first 0-0 of the tournament, and it squeezes Group A even tighter. The current table: Morocco 4 points, Mali 2, Zambia 2, Comoros 1. For Zambia, it’s two games, two draws (0-2-0), and a clear picture: they must be clinical when they meet Morocco next. For Comoros (0-1-1), the path gets steeper, but not impossible, with Mali up next.

The math is simple enough, but the football won’t be. Morocco are in control of the group, while Mali are strong and well-drilled. That leaves Zambia and Comoros fighting for timing and precision — the small details that turn one point into three.

Key incidents, cards, and the game’s edge

Discipline held for most of the night. The only booking of note came at the very end: Jack Lahne (Zambia) at 90+5′. It matched the pattern of a hard, honest contest where both teams worked, pressed, and covered space well. Refereeing stayed calm after the early VAR drama, and the match never boiled over.

Set pieces came and went without major damage. Clear chances were rare. When they did appear, the final header or shot did not quite land inside the post. That is how a 0-0 is born: lots of running, lots of structure, but no single moment to break it open.

Substitutions that shaped the final half-hour

• Zambia: O. Tembo (77′); K. Musonda for L. Banda (70′); J. Sabobo for F. Sakala (62′).
• Comoros: F. Selemani for M. Maolida (77′); R. Vita for I. Boura (77′).

These tweaks told the story: Zambia chasing a winner with fresh forward options; Comoros balancing energy and shape to keep lanes closed and pounce late if space appeared.

“Zambia need one clinical moment — the defense is doing its job.”

What’s next: Morocco for Zambia, Mali for Comoros

Now the focus swings to the group’s heavyweights. Zambia meet Morocco, the current leaders, in a game that could define their tournament. A win would flip the table; a loss would leave them hoping for help on the final day. The good news for the Chipolopolo: the back line looks solid and the press is working. The challenge: turning pressure into a goal.

Comoros take on Mali, a team that can control tempo and punish mistakes. If Comoros can repeat the calm they showed here and take one of their best chances, they have a shot. The margins are thin, and Group A is still there for a smart, brave side to grab.

Final word: a blank scoreline that meant a lot

There were no goals, but there was plenty on the line. Zambia 0-0 Comoros will not make highlight reels, yet it could be a result we look back on when Group A is settled. It kept Zambia in the hunt and left Comoros alive. It also reminded everyone that in tournaments like CAN 2025, control and patience can be just as valuable as flair.

Next up: the giants arrive, the stakes rise, and those half-chances need to become goals. After Casablanca’s stalemate, the group is set for a cracking finish.