Zambia 3-0 Sudan
An early goal by a completely unmarked Stophira Sunzu, a nice header from the near post from a free kick, put Zambia ahead of Sudan, a lead which would not be threatened.
Midfielder Saifeldin Ali Idris Farah really ruined Sudan's chances of victory when he was shown his second yellow, conceding a penalty while getting sent off. Christopher Katongo took the spot kick, which was fraudulently saved by Sudan keeper Akram El Hadi Salem, who was way off his line before the ball was struck. Making the lack of call more ridiculous is that Katongo purposefully approached the spot with a stutter step designed to either force him to commit to a side or draw the him off the line. The rules are clear: coming off the line and a missed shot requires a retake; I might think the referee chose to not call the infraction because the rebound went in, but the linesman did not raise his flag to indicate the foul.
Down to ten men Sudan had no chance; James Chamanga sealed the deal on 84' with an excellent bending strike from the edge of the box in open play that just barely struck the inside of the far post. Zambia will now face the winner of the Ghana/Tunisia.
Highlights
Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea
As I predicted in my preview, Didier Drogba would find a way to win this game. After having a penalty saved by Equatorial Guinea keeper Danilo after the other Didier, Zakora, was taken down in the box, Drogba intercepted a failed defensive pass and beat both defenders in the box, firing his shot low and inside the near post.
Ivory Coast controlled the game but were unable to add to their lead until the Chelsea forward ripped a header from Yaya Toure set piece twenty-five minutes into the second half. Manchester City's Toure nailed an amazing free kick into the top right corner with nine minutes remaining to eliminate any chance the co-hosts would mount a comeback. Ivory Coast will face the winner of Gabon/Mali.
Highlights
Drogba penalty saved
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