ZAMBIA GO TOP AT NATIONS CUP
A 2-1 win over Gabon in Benguela on Thursday ensured Zambia went from last to first place in Group D and a place in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals.
Zambia finished top in a three-way tie on the number of goals scored, according to tournament regulations.
They were equal on points with Cameroon and Gabon and also tied on goal difference but in a mini-table of group results between the trio scored more goals (four) than Cameroon (three) and Gabon (two).
Gabon were eliminated despite upsetting Cameroon in the group’s opening game last week and also drawing with Tunisia.
But on Thursday they were thoroughly outplayed by the quick fire Zambia attack, who had several early chances before a through pass from Felix Katongo saw Rainford Kalaba slid a neat finish past the on-rushing Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono to open the scoring in the 28th minute.
James Chamanga had a simple put-in as Zambia extended their lead just after the hour. He was unmarked to received Jacob Mulenga’s square pass with the Gabon defence caught out of position.
Mulenga had several other chances but squandered while captain Chris Katongo was also wide with his shooting.
A goal seven minutes from the end from Gabon substitute Fabrice do Marcelino set up a suspense-filled finish.
Gabon needed a draw to win the group but squandered two late long-range free kicks as Zambia held on to reach the last eight for the first time in 14 years.
“People were laughing at our chances and all the betting had us as the worst team here, but today we proved we are good enough to reach the quarter-finals,” said Zambia’s youthful French coach Herve Renard.