Ghana set up Zambia semis, Ivory Coast meet Mali

Two mouth-watering semi-finalsties were set up after the conclusion of four quarter-final encounters in the on-going Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon  over the weekend.

Impressive Zambia demolished hapless Sudan in the first of two quarter-final matches played on Saturday night. Facing a Sudan side that exceeded all expectations by reaching the last four, Zambia's Chipolopolo knew they had to play their normal attacking game.

Southern Africa's only remaining team at the  AFCON did just what they know best. By the quarter-of-an hour, big defender Stopilla Sunzu had powered Zambia into the lead with a powerful header  in the box following a good delivery from a free-kick from the left.

Subdued Sudan resorted to defensive and foul play and after 60 minutes they were reduced to ten man after key defender Saif Eldin fouled elusive Rainsford Kalaba in the box. Captain Christopher Katongo had to score from a rebound after the keeper saved his initial penalty-kick take.

Towards the end of the match,substitute James Kamanga put an icing to a cake with Chipolopolo's 3rd goal of the match to give Zambia a comfortabale 3-0 victory.

On the same night, Ivory Coast led by skipper Didier Drogba fired warning shot about their clear intentions to lift the Afcon title this year,when they crushed co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in front of their home fans in Malabo.

Didier Drogba was the toast of the night,scoring twice, while classy Yaya Toure chipped in with a brilliant free-kick.

Mali needed penalty kicks toovercome co-hosts Gabon 5-4 following a 1-1 drawing regulation time and after extra time,with Barcelona ace Seydou Keita scoring the winning penalty.

On Sunday again, Ghana needed extra time to overcome battling North Africans Tunisia, with Andre Ayew scoring the winning goalin the 100th minute  to set up afierce clash with team of the moment Zambia.

The semi-finals are due to be played on Wednesday this week.  

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