Zambia and Namibia have officially booked places in the quarter-finals of the on-going African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the expense of Uganda and Ivory Coast not gaining points.
A brace from Augustine Mulenga ensured Zambia stay on top of Group B, after easing past Ivory Coast who haven’t picked up a single point in the tournament.
Despite dominating the proceedings in the second half, Ivory Coast’s attacks were not enough to break down the Chipolopolo’s defense. Instead, Zambia who was already one up going into the break added a second in the 72nd minute after Mulenga finished off a sublime counter-attack from Ernest Mbewe.
The Uganda Cranes, on the other hand, were unfortunate to concede a late goal after dominating most of the proceedings. A stoppage-time goal from Namibia’s Panduleni Nekudi was enough to see off a frustrated 10-man Ugandan side.
The tournament debutants took advantage of Awanyi’s 77th-minute red card grabbing a late winner to book their first ever place in the quarter-finals.
The Copper Bullets of Zambia and the Brave Warriors of Namibia have so far registered two wins out of two games putting them both at 6 points. Their group opponents Uganda and Ivory Coast have all lost both their games putting them out of contention for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Zambia and Namibia now join hosts Morocco and Sudan who qualified for the quarter-finals at the expense of Mauritania and Guinea on Wednesday.
The Uganda Cranes will face the Elephants in their last game on Monday 22nd to determine who finishes better in last while Zambia and Namibia face off for the top spot in Group B.
The table after three games.
| Teams |
Pld |
Pts |
| Zambia |
2 |
6 |
| Namibia |
2 |
6 |
| Uganda |
2 |
0 |
| Ivory Coast |
2 |
0 |
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