MTNFootball

Zambia breezed into the semifinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 victory over outclassed Sudan at the Estadio de Bata on Saturday.

The quarterfinal was a one-sided affair with Zambia have simply too much pace and skill for the Sudanese, who battled to create any chances of note throughout the 90 minutes.

Chipolopolo’s goals came via Stoppila Sunzu, Chrios Katongo and James Chamanga, and they might have had more too.

Zambia applied all the early pressure and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 15 minutes, Sunzu heading home Rainford Kalaba’s free-kick with the Sudanese defence leaving him completely free.

It should have been 2-0 to Zambia just seconds later when Isaac Chansa delivered another inviting cross for Mayuka but both he and the Sudanese defence let the ball roll through.

A mistake in defence from Hichani Himoonde allowed Sudan their first serious effort after 20 minutes but Ahmed Bashir shot straight at goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

Sudan goalkeeper Salem then stopped a long-range shot from Kalaba as the first half came to an end, finishing in some controversy as Sudan were denied a legitimate looking penalty and instead Ramadan Agab picked up a booking for allegedly diving.

Bizarrely, there were two hamstring tears in the first half for both Yousef Alaeldin and Nazar Hamed, who had to be replaced.

Sudan began brighter in the second half with Ahmed Khalifa firing in the first effort on Zambia’s goal.

Mudather Tayeb, who had been the two goal hero against the Burkinabe, then fired a stinger but Mweene made the save look easy.

The first quarter-hour of the first half suddenly saw Sudan rise in confidence but let down by their final pass.

But then it fell apart when Saifeldin Ali Hidris was caught by the pace of Kalaba in the penalty area and tripped him, earning his second caution of the game and an early shower and leaving Sudan down to 10 men.

Katongo took the penalty but it was well saved only for the skipper to force the rebound home.

Chamanga came on to score the third with a well taken curling shot four minutes from time to seal a comprehensive win.

Zambia will now wait to find out who they will meet in the last four, with either Ghana or Tunisia next up for the side. They play on Sunday night.