Amos Annan

What: African Cup of Nations Quarter-final
Who: Zambia vs Sudan
When: Saturday 4th February, 2012, at 16:00 UK Time
Where:  Estadio de Bata, Bata, Equatorial Guinea

A New Generation of Zambian Footballers

After the plane crash that killed a whole team about a decade ago, the Zambian national side has struggled to make it to the limelight once again. But in recent years, the Chipolopolo have shown much promise, and this year, could well make it to the semi-finals – if they can overcome the hurdle of Sudan.

The Copper Bullets really lit up the tournament in their convincing opening day win over Senegal, in which they played some really top quality stuff. Unfortunately, the sodden pitch at the Estadio de Bata hampered their passing play in the second game against Libya and Zambia could only manage a draw. It was however, a hard-fought draw as they showed remarkable character to come from behind twice, even after dominating long spells of the game. The Chipolopolo are indeed one of the teams to watch, since they managed to top their group, beating host nation Equatorial Guinea in the process.

Long-awaited Return

The Cranes of Sudan make their long-awaited return to some semblance of prominence in African football after being largely absent for more than three decades. Their last appearance at a Cup of Nations was in Ghana in 2008 – a showing they would like to forget as they failed to pick up points or even score a goal. This time though, the Sudanese seem more organised and have managed to scrape their way into the quarter-final, edging Angola on goal difference.

The Sudanese put up a good performance against the favourites Ivory Coast, by could not avoid defeat. They continued with a creditable draw against Angola, a performance which saw them claw their way back to level terms twice. Then the Falcons of Jediane did their part in scraping a win against Burkina Faso to take advantage of Angola’s loss to Ivory Coast and make it to a first quarter-final appearance since their 1970 tournament win.

Recent form

Zambia:
Senegal 1-2 Zambia (21/01; Group A)
Libya 2-2 Zambia (25/01; Group A)
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia (29/01; Group A)

Sudan:
Ivory Coast 1-0 Sudan (22/01; Group B)
Sudan 2-2 Angola (26/01; Group B)
Sudan 2-1 Burkina Faso (30/01; Group B)

Players to watch

Zambia – Christopher Katongo: The captain of the Chipolopolo has achieved much in leading his team out thus far in the tournament, and he may yet lead them out again in the semi-final. Scoring twice so far – the crucial winner against Equatorial Guinea and the second equaliser against Libya – the striker is showing that not only can he pass the ball, but can score as well when need be. He is expected to play a pivotal role in how far the Zambians progress.

Sudan – Mudather El Tahir: The forward was on target with a brace against the Burkinabe, thus ensuring Sudan’s win and qualification from the group stage. He and his team-mates are expected to put in a tireless performance if they are to have a chance of progressing.

Match Prediction

The Sudanese can be a very tough side to break down at times, as shown in their first match, but they are also a largely inexperienced team and may be vulnerable to the clever play of the Zambians. It may be a cagey encounter in the opening stages, but it is likely that the first team to score will have a huge advantage. Zambia 2-0 Sudan.

 


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