Zambia humble 10-man Sudan to reach last four

The Chipolopolos of Zambia sealed a historic place at the last four of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Sudan 3-0 in their quarter final clash on Saturday in Bata.

 

It was the first time since 1996 that the Zambians had reached the medal zone of the tournament and they needed goals from Sunzu Stoppila, Christopher Katongo and substitute James Chamanga to realize that dream at the expense of a 10-man Sudan team.

 

The Chipolopolos lived up to their pre-match favourites tag capitalising on the false start of the Sudanese to search for their feet. The Desert Hawks lost their wings in the opening minutes as the Zambians dominated possession with playmaker Rainford Kalaba and lone forward Emmanuel Mayuka making threats at goal.

   

On 13 minutes, Mayuka had the first attempt at goal but his effort was fisted away by Sudanese goalie Elhadi Akram. The resultant corner-kick a minute later was headed in by Stoppila, who soared above his markers to nod in.

 

Five minutes later, the Sudanese will respond but Mohamed Bashir’s long range effort was no problem for Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene.

 

The Desert Hawks were dealt a major blow with injuries to Yousif Ala Eldin and Hamid Nassir Nazar and they were replaced by Kamal Amir and Agab Ramandan respectively before half time. Zambia were very effective at the set pieces but Akram kept them at bay with his timely saves.

 

The tide changed in the second half with the Sudanese in control of proceedings. As the game wore on, they were dealt a blow after Ali Saif Eldin fouled Kalaba in the penalty area on 64 minutes. Eldin was given marching off orders for his second yellow card of the game.

 

Zambia captain Katongo fired the rebound from the spot after Akram parried his initial effort to give his side a comfortable two-goal lead.

 

The numerical disadvantage had a telling effect on the play of the Sudanese whilst Zambia resorted to an open game. Four minutes from time, Chamanga ended the goal rout with the third goal with a curling shot that Sudan goalie Akram had no answers to.

 

Zambia will face winner of Ghana-Tunisia at the semi final on Wednesday in Bata.