Surprise package Zambia reached the quarterfinals of the African
Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win over Gabon to top its group ahead of
tournament favorite Cameroon on Thursday.
Coach Herve Renard's team moved from last place to first
after securing its first win with goals from Rainford Kalaba and
James Chamanga, while Cameroon came twice from behind to salvage a
2-2 draw with Tunisia in Lubango.
Zambia tied with second-placed Cameroon on four points. Gabon
also finished with four points, but missed out on goals scored
between the three teams. Tunisia, which didn't lose a game, had
three points in the closest group of the tournament.
"We are grateful we have been able to achieve something.
Everyone thought it was impossible but we have now proven it is
possible," Zambia captain Chris Katongo said.
There was some confusion after both games ended, with African
Football Confederation officials saying Cameroon finished first in
the group thanks to a better head-to-head record following its 3-2
win over Zambia earlier in the competition.
But according to CAF regulations, FIFA later confirmed that
Zambia was on top because it scored more goals against the two
other sides.
CAF issued a statement late Thursday confirming Zambia's
first place.
"Zambia is first because of overall goals scored in Group D,
Cameroon is second and Gabon is third," CAF said.
In Monday's quarterfinals, Zambia and Nigeria will meet in
Lubango, while Cameroon will face two-time defending champion Egypt
in Benguela.
"People were laughing at our chances and we were considered
as the worst team here, but today we proved we are good enough to
reach the quarterfinals," Renard said.
Gabon players thought they had qualified and were celebrating
after the match until they were told they were eliminated.
"We thought we were qualified," Gabon striker Daniel Cousin
said. "It is heartbreaking but this is what sport is all about."
In Benguela, Zambia broke the deadlock in the 27th minute
when Katongo set up Kalaba who coolly slotted home. Maintaining its
domination after the interval, Zambia doubled its lead in the 64th
when Chamanga fired home from Jacob Mulenga's perfect pass.
Do Marcolino scored a consolation goal in the 83rd with a
curled shot that was deflected.
Earlier, Tunisia's Amine Chermiti headed in Khaled Souissi's
cross in the opening minute before Cameroon substitute Achille Webo
set up Samuel Eto'o for the equalizer in the 46th.
Tunisia reclaimed the lead when Cameroon defender Bayard
Chedjou beat his own goalkeeper with a header in the 63rd, but
Landry Nguemo leveled inside a minute.
Tunisia's Ammar Jemmal was sent off in the 86th after picking
up a second yellow card.
The cup resumes with Sunday's quarterfinals between Angola
and Ghana, then Ivory Coast vs. Algeria.
