Zambia through to semifinals at African Cup

Zambia was the first team through to the African Cup of Nations semifinals after a clinical 3-0 win over struggling 10-man Sudan on Saturday.

Defender Stophira Sunzu headed in from a free kick in the 15th minute and Christopher Katongo made it 2-0 in the 66th when he scored from the rebound after his penalty was saved.

Substitute James Chamanga sealed Zambia’s dominance in the 86th with a curling shot from the edge of the area.

Sudan’s hopes of an upset at a near-deserted Estadio de Bata slipped away when defender Saifeldin Ali Idris was sent off in the 65th for a reckless foul on Rainford Kalaba that led to Katongo’s spot kick.

Zambia will play the winner of Sunday’s Ghana-Tunisia game in the semis back in Bata on Wednesday.