Zambia became the first team to qualify to the semi-finals at the on-going 28th Orange Africa Cup of Nations after beating Sudan’s Jediane Falcons 3-0 in Bata. Stoppila Sunzu opened the scoring in the 15th minute for Zambia through a header in the six yard box from Rainford Kalaba, the Chipolopolo’s Central Midfielder’s expert free-kick.

The game turned in the Chipolopolo’s favour shortly after Saif Eldin was sent off for fouling Rainford Kalaba in the box.

Chris Katongo converted the resulting spot-kick at second attempt before James Chamanga wrapped up the win.

The Chipolopolo, who got to the last four matches for the first time since 1996, will stay in Bata ahead of next week's semi-final.

In the second quarter-final match, La Cote d’Ivoire’s Elephants powered past co-hosts Equatorial Guinea to win their quarter-final 3-0 in Malabo.

The Elephants captain Didier Drogba failed to convert a penalty after Didier Zokora was tripped by Ben Konate in the penalty box.

Drogba however opened the scoring for the Elephants shortly after he missed the penalty before doubling the lead in the second half with a thumping header.

Yaya Toure rounded off the win with a curling free-kick from 30 yards to end the match.

Cote d’Iviore will travel to Libreville to play Mali in the semi-finals.

Source: ISD (James Ankomah Hackman)

Bookmark with: