Zambia aiming for semifinals
Zambia will be looking to reach the semifinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Sudan at the Estadio de Bata on Saturday. Kick-off is at 18h00 SA time.
Chipolopolo were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage in Angola back in 2010, losing to Nigeria on penalties, and will be determined to go a step further this time around.
Herve Renard’s men finished on top of Group A ahead of Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Senegal, and remain unbeaten in the competition with two wins and a draw.
However, they will have their work cut out against a stubborn Sudanese side that has already exceeded many expectations by reaching the knockout stage.
The Falcons of Jediane finished as runners-up in Group B behind Ivory Coast, pipping Angola on goal difference as they held on to beat Burkina Faso in their final group match.
Although both sides went into the competition as underdogs, a number of players have managed to show their class during the group stage by scoring crucial goals.
Rainford Kalaba has been in good form for Zambia, while captain Christopher Katongo has also led by example, and both players will be looking to maintain some consistency against the stubborn Sudanese side.
Zambia will be without Clifford Mulenga, who was sent home for disciplinary issues, but that shouldn’t disrupt their momentum as the midfielder was not significantly involved during any of their group matches.
For Sudan, Mohamed Bashir was the two-goal hero during their 2-2 draw against Angola, while Mudather El Tahir also netted a brace during their 2-1 win over Burkina Faso, and they will need to replicate their form against Chipolopolo.
Zambia coach Herve Renard says he is expecting a tough challenge from Sudan because of their determination but hopes that his players will rise to the occasion.
"If we want to go through the semifinals, we have to be strong because they won’t give us an easy game,” said Renard.
“Sudan is a team that fights for each ball. It may not be one of the best teams at the Africa Cup but it is one team that never gives up and it will be very, very difficult."
Sudanese coach Mohamed Abdallah has been observing the Zambian side and he believes they need a good plan to counter their strong points.
“Zambia are a fast, well-organised team which has achieved good results here and we must prepare tactically and physically for them," Abdallah said.
The last meeting between the two sides was a friendly international in 2009 which ended 2-0 in favour of Sudan.