Zambia sail past Sudan

James Chamanga and Jacob Mulenga were both on the scoresheet as Zambia opened their ACN campaign with a 3-0 over Sudan.

Clinical Zambians off to a flyer against Sudan

Strike partners James Chamanga and Jacob Mulenga were both on the scoresheet as Zambia opened their African Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-0 over Sudan. Felix Katongo also helped himself to a goal as the Zambians' clinical finishing proved the difference between the sides. Hassan Shehata's men were ahead with barely two minutes on the clock with their front two combining to stunning effect. Chamanga picked up the ball and, after playing a clever one-two with Mulenga, the top-scorer in South Africa's top flight crashed a stunning shot into the far corner of Elmuiz Abdalla's goal from the edge of the box. Despite the worst possible start it was Sudan who bossed the first half for long spells and they almost drew level on 12 minutes when the impressive El Doud Abdalla saw a stunning half-volley come back out off in the inside of a post. Ahmed Gibril then wasted a real chance to restore parity just before the half-hour mark as he blazed over wastefully and it was an opportunity Sudan were to rue as Zambia pulled clear in the second period. They extended their lead on 50 minutes as Mulenga rose well to nod home after Katongo had seen his header from a corner loop up in the air after hitting the crossbar. Eight minutes later the game was as good as over when they pulled three clear, the lively Katongo getting the goal his efforts deserved as he knocked home a rebound after Rainford Kalaba had seen his initial shot saved. The scoreline could have been even harsher on Sudan had Abdalla not made a wonderful flying save to push Kalaba's header wide five minutes from time.