CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Zambia 0 – 0 Comoros FT
Comoros striker Myziane Maolida (right) had a goal disallowed against Mali after a VAR review. [BackPage Pix]
In a match that lacked excitement, Comoros and Zambia ended in the first goalless draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Casablanca.
The pivotal moment occurred in the first half when Comoros striker Myziane Maolida believed he had scored, tapping the ball into an empty net after a brilliant play by Rafiki Said. However, referee Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall correctly disallowed the goal following a Video Assistant Referee review, which revealed a foul in the build-up as Yacine Bourhane stood on Owen Tembo’s foot.
Though the Coelacanths appeared to be the stronger side throughout the match, the second half largely fizzled out.
Comoros narrowly missed scoring again when Faiz Selemani directed a header onto the roof of the net with Zambia’s goalkeeper Willard Mwanza caught off guard after misjudging the delivery.
The outcome suits Comoros well, leaving them with one point ahead of their crucial Group A match against Mali on Monday (19:00 GMT).
Zambia, currently with two points, must secure a victory against host nation Morocco in their final game in Rabat to progress to the knockout stages.
Daka cannot repeat Mali heroics
Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, who had a standout performance in their opening-night defeat against Morocco, saw little action during this match.
However, he was lucky to avoid an early mishap after overplaying the ball near his own goal, only managing to recover after being challenged by Leicester City striker Patson Daka.
Unlike their previous match where they had only 30% possession, Comoros dominated this encounter with more controlled gameplay.
Before his goal was disallowed, Maolida had another attempt at the far post blocked by Zambia’s defender Dominic Chanda.
Zambia’s best chance in the first half came from Kings Kangwa, whose curling left-foot shot just skimmed over the bar from the edge of the area.
The Chipolopolo’s result continues a disheartening streak of 12 matches without a win in the Afcon since their championship victory in 2012.
Despite late pressure in added time, they could not replicate the heroics that gained them a late equalizer against Mali in their first match.
The outcome means Zambia must channel the spirit of 2012 when facing Morocco.
Meanwhile, Comoros will be optimistic about overcoming Mali and advancing from their group, reminiscent of their stunning upset against Ghana during their Afcon debut in 2021.