The first quarter final of this year’s competition and both sides had a reason to feel optimistic about the game. With Zambia topping group A they were the more confident of reaching the semi-finals and their attacking line-up reiterated this.
The game started with both sides getting a sense of possession without either side really threatening each other’s goals. Zambia looked a lot more positive going forward and took the lead in the 14th minute through Stoppila Sunzu. A whipped in free kick was nodded home easily by Sunzu who gave Zambia a deserved lead. The question now was could Sudan respond?
Unfortunately for Sudan fans they could not and Zambia went on to safely secure themselves in the semi finals. Things went from bad to worse for Sudan on the hour mark when Saif Eldin was sent off for fouling Rainford Kalaba in the box. Chris Katongo was on spot kick duties and he missed the penalty but was able to score the follow up. At 2-0 Zambia seemed done and dusted with the extra man but they still weren’t finished.
Zambia’s extra man was beginning to show and they took their final goal in the 85th minute which wrapped up a comfortable victory. Some neat build up play found its way to James Chamanga who curled a sweet finish into the corner. The victory for Zambia meant that they reached the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Zambia have thoroughly deserved their success so far in the competition and they will face the winner of Ghana V Tunisia.
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