Ten-Man Ghana Seal Historic Nigeria Win

Ghana 2 - 1 Nigeria

In what had already been billed as the match of the tournament, the cards and goals flowed freely. In the end, Ghana prevailed past Nigeria 2-1 in what was an incredibly exciting encounter...

Clearly this was to be a heated derby, as Muntari found himself on the end of a foul from Obinna Nwaneri just after kickoff, resulting in a small amount of "handbags."

But while it was physical, it wasn't gung-ho, at least to start with. Indeed, with so much at stake, neither side was apt to take undue risks.

It took a quarter of an hour for the first real chance to emerge, with Muntari playing a fine ball across goal, only for Yobo to clear it.

Ten minutes later, though, it all kicked off.

After some fine play, Michael Essien hit the post oon the 25 minut emark after a tremendous give-and-go with Asamoah Gyan.

Then, Junior Agogo had a great chance just a minute later as Ghana turned the screw. He, however, could only see his effort tipped wide by Ejide.

It was quite a strong spell for Ghana, but Nigeria showed that they are no makeweights by hitting back. Yakubu almost managed to go one on one with Kingson, before he turned provider by slipping a through ball to Getafe's Ikechukwu Uche. Despite the latter's great run, the finish was poor, and it stayed 0-0.

At least for a minute, for no sooner had that chance ben mupped up than Addo conceded a penalty, apparently for shirt pulling against Yakubu. The Everton man himself stepped up and duly netted it, and suddenly Ghana ere in trouble.

Indeed, Nigeria looked the stronger side going into half time, with Uche and Yakubu linking up well, but Ghana's undoubted class shone through right on the stroke of half time.

That's when Michael Essien grabbed an equaliser. The Chelsea man both placed and powered a header after Owusu-Abeyie's cross to level the scores.

Right after the break, Obi Mikel attempted to show his teammate how it was done, almost capitalising on Uche's through ball - and some poor defending - only for Kingson to smother the ball at the last second.

That error reminded both teams that risks were inappropriate, and the game slowed down - at least until the hour mark.

For Ghana were down to ten men just then, John Mensah preventing a clear goalscoring opportunity by fouling Odemwingie just outside the box.

Taye Taiwo came inches away from opening the scoring from the ensuing free-kick, with Kingson's last-gasp save keeping his side in it.

His near-namesake Laryea Kingson joined the fray in place of Asamoah, dropping back to midfield and in turn allowing Essien to take a place in defence.

Strangely enough, that seemed to lend a bit more shape to the Ghanaians, and certainly more steel. Spurred on by Michael Essien's encouragement, they closed down the Nigerians with gusto, albeit sometimes a bit too much.

For things were beginning to get a bit heated - admittedly, for both sides. In one incident fifteen minutes from time, Obi Mikel picked up a booking after hacking down Annan, only for Annan to raise his hands to the Chelsea star.

In terms of play, though, Ghana had one great chance through Agogo ten minutes from time, only for the Nottingham Forest man to fluff his finish at the last second.

That made it all the more surprising when he was the man to give his side a lead seven minutes from the end. Muntari's low cross found the predatory forward lingering at the far post, and Agogo was so delighted with his close-range effort that his overcelebration was deemed worthy of a booking.

On came Nsofor for Obi Mikel as Nigeria boss Berti Vogts rolled the dice, and Nigeria poured forward. Shittu did well to float a cross in two minutes from time, only for Muntari, dropping back to defend, to head clear.

But other than a couple more half-chances from corners, the wealth of Nigerian bodies pressing forward could provide little - indeed, Nigeria needed Ghana to give them one last hope by conceding a free-kick 25 yards out two minutes into stoppage time.

The ball eventually reached Yobo in the box, but his finish was lacking, and the match ended with the hosts in a state of ecstacy.

Super Eagles Become Super Vultures

Nigeria relinquished the Cup of Nation against Mali in a crucial tie on Thursday by failing to win when it mattered the most.

The Super Eagles were once famed for killing teams off themselves. Now, after that capitulation to Mali, the birds can only fly to the next round if the Ivory Coast do them a favour in the final set of group matches. The eagles, then, need someone else to do their killing: they are now vultures.


It was indeed the worst performance of Nigeria since the introduction of this cup. Nigeria missed key Kanu through injury, but also lacked preparation and were unable to match Malian's skill, mental strength and desire. For Mali, salvaging the pointwas a matter of personal and national pride which the Super Eagles couldn't match.

Nigeria is a powerhouse in African football and the national side is ranked number one in the African continent. But after the performance, the status has diminished and rightly so the “Super Eagles” turned to ordinary vultures. In order to win this the match, they needed fire-power, and star studded players had to perform. The defence wasn't up to much either, but these were the two main areas of failure. Nigerian strikers failed to find the net in the second consecutive game, and Yakubu didn’t look like the Yakubu we see in Premier League every week.

In the last fifteen minutes, they showed their desperation to break the deadlock. For this, everyone moved forward and tried their best to beat the ticking clock. But desperation and panic is not the way game is played. Tournament football needs clear cut plans and strategies are made in order to cope with situations like this. When such designs exist, they produces fruitful results. For Nigeria, there were no team work and nobody was ready to take the lead, and no plan was forthcoming.


The heat was another factor in the poor scoreline, and in some ways an avoidable one. Nigerian, they were trained mostly in Nigeria and Spain which, will not cold countries, lacked the exact tournament conditions of Ghana. In addition, they played their preparatory games with European countries instead playing with their continental fellows.

As if to show the lack of ideas in the Nigerian camp, Jon Mikel Obi expressed his nervousness when he was interviewed after the match. When asked about Nigeria’s chances, his first reaction was, “I don’t know”. When asked about Kanu’s absence, again it was, “I don’t know”.

I personally like the way Mali came into this match. They made every effort to snatch the point, and this they did. Mali were more dangerous and difficult than Nigeria - even though in some areas their squad is weaker. They hit the targets well and were pushing very hard from start to finish.


Nigeria, on the other hand, scarcely earned the tag “Super Eagles”. Once upon a time they were called that, because in many ways they resembled one, hunting in destructive packs. But after this defeat, Nigeria must adapt to a diet of dead animals as would vultures. Their fate lies in the hands of Ivory Coast, in that they need the Ivorians to kill Mali's chances. Having to rely on results elsewhere is hardly becoming of an eagle.


Nigeria have one of the best strike forces in Africa and they have lot of talent but when it comes to backroom coaching, yet the squad does not work as it should. It’s not about players, it’s not about coaches, it’s about football administration and Nigerian have to put their administration in order. That will see an effect that works its way down from management to players, and finally result in some teamplay.


With World Cup 2010 not too far away, Nigeria is a force to whom the continent will look for success. But with this sort of performance, expectations will be lowered significantly.


The future of Nigerian football seems to be very bleak. I take pity on Nigerian supporters.

Agogo lifts Ghana past gritty Namibia

Ghana need only a draw against Morocco on Monday to guarantee their quarter-final berth at the African Nations Cup after Nottingham Forest striker Junior Agogo earned the hosts a 1-0 win over Namibia on Thursday.

Namibia's second straight loss means they will be heading off to the airport irrespective of what happens in their final Group A tie against Guinea with valuable lessons learned ahead of their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

This was the second game of the day in Accra, the first producing something of an upset when Guinea, reduced to 10 men for much of the second half, beat Morocco 3-2.

These two results left Ghana heading Group A on six points, with Morocco and Guinea both on three with all to play for come Monday.

"We may not have played fantastically well but we've still got six points from our first two games," said Ghana coach Claude Le Roy.

"That leaves us needing only a draw to top the group.

"I knew Namibia wouldn't lose 5-1 against us like they did in their first match. They were well organised, compact in defence.

"Now we've got Morocco, we only need a draw but we'll play to win. We'll be ready for them on Monday at five o'clock."

Chelsea midifelder Michael Essien, the man of the match, added: "I think this game was much better than the first one. People were expecting us to come up with more goals, but the most important thing is the six points."

Guinea coach Arie Schans said he was proud of his players.

"This was a big difference to our first game when the players' appeared nervous.

"This time we showed we could play good football. Now our next goal with a bit of luck will be to pick up three points against Guinea."

West Ham right back John Pantsil, who was flown to Nigeria on Wednesday for a scan after suffering concussion against Guinea, was a surprise starter allowing Claude Le Roy to name the same line up for the second consecutive match.

Namibia made three changes, with Dutchman Schans switching goalkeepers after Monday's 5-1 drubbing, Abisai Shiningayamwe making way for Athiel Mbaha.

Ghana, marshalled by Essien in midfield, made clear their intent from the whistle, taking up permanent residence in the Brave Warriors' territory yet the underdogs kept them at bay for the first 30 minutes.

Given that they were 4-0 down by the break against Morocco, the goalless scoreline up to the 40th minute spoke volumes for Namibia's newfound resilience, their coach's comment that they'd played like "schoolkids" against the Moroccans had obviously hurt.

The Group A underdogs were fortunate to be let off though when Udinese striker Asamoah Gyan hit the ball over Mbaha's bar from six yards out.

And just as the solace of half time beckoned Ghana got what seemed was their inevitable reward for all their hard work when Agogo slotted home rather clumsily from near point blank range after Quincy Owusu Abeyie's cross from the right four minutes from the interval.

Shortly after the resumption Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari, responsible for the match winner over Guinea, had the Ohene Djan Stadium roaring when he unleashed one of his trademark long shots at Attiel, the ball on this occasion sailing over the crossbar.

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston then picked up a booking for a too hastily taken free kick meaning he'll miss the all important game on Monday, leaving his brother, Hearts midfielder Laryea, to uphold family honour against Morocco.

On the hour mark Le Roy took off Laryea Kingston, replacing him with Marseille starlet, Andre Ayew.

The second half mirrored the preceding one, with Ghana harrying the Namibian defence which again performed manfully to deny the forecast deluge of goals from Muntari and co.

Namibia weren't without their chances, their talismanic Hamburg midfielder Collin Benjamin just shooting wide of the far post in the 75th minute but Ghana weren't about to let this one get away.

Ghana 2008 Update : Angola 1 - 1 South Africa

South Africa's Late Screamer Denies Angola The Win

Angola 1 - 1 South Africa

Elrio Van Heerden's late strike denied Angola a win that seemed sealed by Manucho's classy diving header in the first half...

After a dull opening period, a late surge from South Africa saw them restore parity against an Angolan side that may feel slightly hard done by in terms of the result.

Unlike most matches in the tournament, there was relatively little for the fans to shout about early in the first half.

The opening stages played out in cagey fashion, with 14 minutes elapsing before the first real chance. Even then, Pienaar's cross into the Angolan box was cleared away for a corner, despite its clear danger.

Two minutes later, Flavio raced onto a through ball at the other end, with goalkeeper Josephs and left-back Mhlongo colliding in an attempt to stop him. The striker was penalised for his part in the incident, and Josephs was left with a head wound for his troubles.

Still, he was able to save Flavio's next attempt ten minutes later, although Manucho's on the half hour mark proved too much for him.

Flavio cut inside past Masilela before chipping the ball across goalmouth, where new Manchester United man Manucho was waiting to fire home a diving header.

Zuma then had a great chance to replicate the feat at the other end, but hit wide, while Flavio then came forward on the break, only to find his shot deflected. Was it handball? The referee thought not as half time came.

In truth, other than Manucho's goal, relatively few of the incidents had been edge-of-seat stuff. That changed in the second period, which was very slightly more exciting.

South Africa were keen to impress, having taken off Moriri and Tsahabalala for Fanteni and Lerato, but found themselves frustrated by overhit through balls and the offside trap.

Once again, though, it took fifteen minutes for a real chance to break out. Not long after Lama had to race off his line to punch clear a Pineaar cross, Modise then played in a corner for Mhlongo, only for the defender to head wide.

The brilliant Flavio then was almost both provider and scorer, linking up well with Ze Kalanga for the latter to shoot just wide, before bringing out the best in Josephs after a close-range effort.

South Africa were beginning to tire, but actually had thee great chances as the game drew to a close. They must have thought that, between Mokoena's shot perhaps just sneaking over and Lama pulling off wonder-stops from Moon and Fanteni, that it was all over for them.

Not so, for Elrio Van Heerden added yet another goal worthy of highlight reels for years to come in a tournament that's already seen plenty.

The Club Brugge man, on as a substitute, strode forward on the right before left-footing it right into the top corner from just under 30 yards.

Flavio almost had the last word in stoppage time with an effort that just looped over, while Lama once again was brought into action by Fanteni, and a game that once threatened to be dull had ended in some style.

However, a draw will do neither side much good...

Tunisia And Senegal Battle To Entertaining Stalemate Tunisia 2 - 2 Senegal

Tunisia and Senegal each enjoyed bright spells in the tournament's first draw. This was a match that, while not quite as flowing or eventful as some of the others, showed that neither of these two sides is destined to be among the tournament whipping boys, and perhaps that more is to come from each of them.

Senegal started brightly, with Mamadou Niang roving confidently up front, but in fact it was the Tunisian side that was to draw first blood.

It took them just nine minutes to do so, Issam Jemaa swapping passes with Bekri before striding to the edge of the box and side-footing past Sylva.

That stunned the Senegalese, who thus surrendered the initiative to the Carthage Eagles.

Dos Santos came clsoe to receiving the ball in a dangerous area not long afterwards, but for the most part, their dominance was in the midfield, restricting Senegal mainly to long-range efforts.

Diouf and Niang tried to hit on the break, with the latter going close from the edge of the area, but in truth Tunisia were in control until five minutes before the interval.

Then, Diouf was inches away from getting on the end of a fine cross, and Tunisia began to sit back.

In doing so, Senegal were given the run of the midfield, and this gave them the equaliser right on the stroke of half time.

Jaidi was unable to get between a long ball forward and Bayal Sall, with the left-winger gratefully connecting to fire home with style. The Saint-Etienne youngster was delighted, and his side were back in the game.

Just after the restart, the Teranga Lions almost managed the lead. Kamara was put trough on goal by Diouf as the Tunisian defence dithered, but the forward could only steer his shot wide.

At the other end, Dos Santos picked up a booking for diving in the box, and then Senegal were on the rampage once more, Kasraoui having to be at his agile best to deal with Diouf.

The Senegalese were beginning to dominate, and really should have taken the lead on the hour mark, only for Mamadou Niang to somehow fire wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

His blushes were spared seven minutes later when Fulham's Diomansy Kamara was able to convert into an open goal after Faye's blocked shot landed at his feet: 1-2.

Henri Camara then came close to matching his namesake's feat, only for Bekri to intervene at the last minute.

That second goal, though, largely saw Senegal begin to relax, allowing Tunisia to stride forward in search of taking something from this game. Zaiem showed his substitute's energy to go close with twenty minutes to go, but it took another CAN wonder-strike to restore parity.

It came from the boot of Etoile du Sahel's Medji Traoui, who had a few seconds to tee up a long-range effort. This he did, and Sylva was left helpless as the ball hit the back of the net.

Senegal tried to hit back, but their goalward efforts were beginning to lack conviction. What's more, there were nerves and tempers flaring, particularly as Kamara picked up a booking for a late challenge. Heading into the final minutes, then, Tunisia had the chance to strike.

Jaidi almsot managed to reach a deep free-kick to surely poke home, and Sylva was foxed by Traoui's cross-cum-shot, but there were to be no more goals, and 2-2 it ended.

South Africa and Angola square off later in the next Group D match.

Nigerian Team In Bus Argument

ThisDay newspaper of Nigeria asserts that Austin Ejide almost came to blows with Joseph Yobo after Nigeria's defeat to Cote d'Ivoire...

ThisDay claims that squad harmony is far from optimal in the Super Eagles camp.

The Nigerian daily claims that the team bus was far from a happy place during the side's brief journey from the stadium to the hotel after their 1-0 loss.

Goalkeeper Austin Ejide was reportedly restrained by other travelers after his argument with Joseph Yobo nearly came to blows.

Ejide was berating the stopper for failing to close down Salomon Kalou in the incident that led to the goal. The two had already traded harsh words on the pitch to this effect.

John Mikel Obi downplayed talk of disharmony, but admitted that things had not gone well.

"We made one mistake and that was the goal. When you make such mistakes you pay dearly for it," Obi sighed. "We should learn from them and people should take full responsibility."

"If we can do that, we've got a long way to go in this tournament, because we've got a good team and we played well," the 20-year-old midfielder added.

"We just need to concentrate all the time if we want to achieve anything."

Zambia Hit Three Past Brave Sudan

Sudan 0 - 3 Zambia

In a match slightly closer than the scoreline suggested, the Chipolopolo of Zambia still won by three clear goals against Sudan's Nile Crocodiles

An early strike from James Chamanga was enough to see Zambia through to half time against Sudan, and a two goal onslaught just before the hour mark sealed a fine win for the Chipolopolo against a Sudanese side that may feel aggrieved at the scoreline.

It all seemed to be going Zambia's way when, just two minutes in, James Chamanga of Moroka Swallows opened the scoring with a tremendous effort from distance after being teed up by Joseph Mulenga.

The 'keeper was left motionless, and his side was clearly rattled as Chamanga once again strode forward just minutes later, setting up Felix Katongo for a strike that wasn't too far away.

But at the other end, Eldoud showed that Sudan were far from out of it with a thunderous drive that cracked off Mweene's far post.

This signalled the start of a period of strength for Sudan, but they were unable to make their pressure count leading up to the interval.

Hado came on as a substitute to try to press the advantage for the Sudanese, but his long-range efforts were found wanting as half time approached.

Zambia were riding their luck, and this continued after the break when Tambal was left unmarked in the box, but he fluffed his effort, leaving Mweene to heave a sigh of relief.

And in the 51st minute, that feeling of relaxation extended to the team at large as Mulenga made it 2-0.

Hachilensa made the goal by heading off the crossbar after a corner, with Maccabi Petach Tikva's Mulenga just waiting to tap it home. Sudan had been hit by a sucker punch, and Zambia's dominance was secure.

Just minutes later they well and truly wrapped it up with a third, struck by Felix Katongo of Angola's Primeiro de Agosto.

The young midfielder was able to once again take advantage of an opportunity to hit a rebound after El Moez parried Kabala's impressive long-range effort.

Chamanga then went one-on-one in an attempt to extend the lead, but Sudan really should have at least hit the back of the net on one occasion as the final quarteer-hour approached, first with a fine free-kick and then a Bashir effort that flew not far over.

Zambia tried to humiliate the Crocs with a fourth, but El Moez was the equal of Mulenga's top-corner header in what was perhaps the best chance of the late period.

That may have heartened the Sudanese, but just to show that nothing was to go their way, Babiker was denied what seemed to be a strong case for a penalty right at the death.

Zambia deserved their win, but a three-goal margin of victory flattered them slightly. Still, it was a fine, attacking showing from the Chipolopolo, who are almost unbelievably energetic in the attack. Sudan, for their part, can do better - now they must prove it.

CAN 2008 Preview: Sudan - Zambia

What: Cup of African Nations, Group C
Who: Sudan vs Zambia
When: Tuesday 22 January 19:30 GMT
Where: Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi
Out to prove a point

The Chipolopolo of Zambia will be looking forward to today’s encounter, knowing they are the only team in the 'group of Champions' not to have lifted the African Cup of Nations before.

The Zambian team, which only a few weeks ago silenced the crowd at Rades in a pre-tournament friendly match beating their hosts Tunisia 2-1, came through the qualifiers for this tournament without losing a single away fixture, putting them in good stead for the tournament. The squad defeated the highly-rated South Africans in Durban in their final group 11 qualifying game by 3-1. But there home games where not as impressive, taking only two points from a possible nine.

It would be safe to assume that this team feels better playing outside their turf, and that is exactly what they are doing here in Ghana.

The Nile Crocodiles of Sudan also had a fantastic qualifying campaign, coming through their group with only one defeat. The Sudanese also last month won the regional CECAFA tournament, which pitted teams from the East and Central African countries against each other.

But recent form in friendly matches has set the team as underdogs coming into this game.

A 2-0 defeat to the Nigerians followed by a 6-0 whitewash by the Syli Stars of Guinea really has not done much for the team's confidence ahead today’s game. But how many times have we seen teams perform woefully in pre-tournament friendly matches and coming out to perform creditably well in the competition proper?

Must-win for both sides

The two teams are not favorites to progress from a group that contains defending champions Egypt and group favorite Cameroon. They are however each capable of causing a major upset in the eventual final standings of the group table. But they both know that if they are to progress they will need to get maximum points from this encounter, which is arguably both side's easiest on paper.

Thus we should expect to see a fast paced game with each side trying to get the goals that puts them in an advantage.

The Zambians are pacey in attack, and would look to employ a winger-based formation when pushing forward.

On the other hand, the Sudanese are more adept in the short passing game. They occasionally employ the looping balls for the strikers to latch onto as well.

I do not foresee either team sitting down in this encounter: they are going to go all out for it. Whoever gets the three points here can then contrive to steal a result off the other big two.

TEAM NEWS

Zambia

The Zambian duo of Christopher Katonga and Isaac Chansa will miss this game after both players received suspensions in pre-tournament qualifiers. The pair are influential players for the team and their absence is significant.

Coach Phiri is expected to retain the team’s 4-3-3 formation with possibly Moroka Swallows striker James Chamanga, who has failed to score in three international friendly games for the squad, and ANC debutant Jacob Mulenga of Strasbourg heading the attack in the absence of Katonga.

Zambian U-20 striker Emmanuel Mayuka could get a call up after Felix Sunzu Junior, who only just joined the team from trials in Tunisia, fell ill with malaria upon arrival at Kumasi.

Kennedy Mweene should retain his position as first choice goalkeeper after being rested for last week’s friendly encounter against local Ghanaian club side King Faisal Football Club.

Coach Phiri dropped veteran defender Elijah Tana from the squad after originally calling him up for the provisional side. The team’s defence should however be marshaled by Zanaco FC’s Kennedy Nkethani.

The Zambians last reached the Semi-finals 12 years ago, the Finals 14 years ago and last won an ANC opening game fixture 16 years ago, and would be looking towards improving on that record.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu, South Africa), Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes)

Defenders: William Chinyama, Clive Hachilensa (Both Zesco United), Kampamba Chintu (Free State Stars, South Africa), Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Billy Mwanza, Joseph Musonda (Both Lamotville Golden Arrows), Kennedy Nkethani (Zanaco).

Midfielders: Ian Bakala, Felix Katongo (Both Desportivo de Agosto, Angola), Isaac Chansa (Helsingborg, Sweden), Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Clifford Mulenga (Pretoria University FC, South Africa), William Njovbu (Lusaka Dynamos).

Strikers: James Chamanga (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Christopher Katongo (Brondby, Denmark), Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors), Jacob Mulenga (Strasbourg, France), Dube Phiri (Desportivo de Agosto, Angola), Felix Nsunzu Jnr (Konkola Blades).

Sudan

Coach Ismail Ata al-Mannane of Sudan will be hoping that his defence puts their acts together after making series of “schoolboy” errors in their pre-tournament friendly matches.

His El-Merreikh strike force of Abdelhamid Amari, Faisal Ajab will hope to deliver the goals that have refused to come in recent games for the team. The team will employ the traditional 4-4-2 formation with Richard Justin Lado controlling the ball in the middle for the Crocodiles.

They will hope that the extra man in midfield can help them to dictate the pace of play; should Zambia get the ball into the final third too often, that will prove difficult, but a settled, albeit attacking game would suit the Crocs just fine.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bahaeddine Abdallah (Al Merreikh), Mahjoub El Moez (Al Hilal), Akram El Hadi Salem (Al Merreikh).

Defenders: Mohamed Ali Khidr (Al Hilal), Ahmed Al Bacha (Al Merreikh), Moussa Al Tayeb (Al Merreikh), Omar Bakhit (Al Hilal), Amir Damar (Al Merreikh), Alaeddine Ahmed Gibril (Al-Hilal), Khalid Hassan (Al Hilal).

Midfielders: Yousef Alaeddine (Al-Hilal), Hamouda Bechir (Al Hilal), Badreddine El Doud (Al Merreikh), Saifeddine Ali Idriss (Al Hilal), Hassan Isaac Korongo (Al-Hilal), Richard Justin Lado (Al Hilal), Moujahid Mohamed (Al Merreikh), Haitham Moustafa (Al-Hilal), Mohamed Taher (Al Hilal)

Forwards: Abdelhamid Amari, Faisal Ajab, Alaeddine Babikr, Haitham Tambal (all Al Merreikh).

Prediction

The first half of the game will be utterly crucial to the eventual outcome of the encounter. If the Zambians are able to breach the Sudanese defensive line during that period, as they will try to do, we could be in for yet another goal feast. But if the Sudanese are able to contain the Zambians during that period, then we should expect a keenly contested game from both sides. Overall I expect the Zambians to prevail.

Sudan 0:2 Zambia