CHAN 2016 Quarter Final
Zambia 0 (4) – 0 (5) Guinea
Western African side, Guinea will face Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals of the 2016 African Nations Champions (CHAN) tournament on Thursday in Kigali.
The development comes with their success following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shoot-out over 2012 AFCON champions, Zambia after a barren 120 minutes of action in a match played under floodlights in rainy conditions at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu on Sunday night.
Prior to the game, the two countries’ tacticians called for changes from the squads that played in the respective last games
Zambia’s George Lwandamina made four changes to the side that drew goal-less with Mali in the last group stage at Nyamirambo as Guinea’s Bangoura called for just one change.
Aboubacar Kile Bangoura tested the Zambian defence with a well-timed 10th minute header.
Five minutes later, veteran Christopher Katongo had a diving effort headed across of goal from a Chama cross on the left.
Guinean midfielder, Mohamed Thiam got booked by the Ethiopian referee, Tessema Weyesa Bamlak, for a malicious tackle on Isaac Chansa.
Salulani Phiri tried a long distance effort after Guinea’s goal-keeper, Aziz Keita had a poor clearance.
Zambia had a better second half, with good possession of the ball but it was Guinea who came closest to scoring against the run of play.
Jean Mouste had a 71st free-kick hit the post for Guinea’s best chance in normal time.
The Chipolopolo had a Clatous Chota Chama goal disallowed for ‘off-side’ much to the bitter protestation from many Zambians playing and in the terraces.
Guinea returned the better prepared team in the 30 minutes of added time often enjoying a large bulk of ball possession.
However, Zambian left winger, Chama nearly broke the deadlock but shot directly at Guinea goalkeeper, Abdoul Aziz Keita.
With clear signs of fatigue from the two sides effected, the game remained barren until the post match penalties determined the winner.
In the shoot-out, Zambian veteran skipper Christopher Katongo, Stephen Kabamba and Daut Musekwa missed their kicks.
Mfune Buchizya, Spencer Sauti, Clatous Chama and Adrian Chama were on target for the central Africans.
Guinea missed their two attempts through Ibrahima Sory Sankhon and Mohamed Youla.
The West Africans were on target through Sory Ibrahima Bangoura, Muhamed Thiam, Issiagi Camara, Ibrahima Sory Soumah before the team goalkeeper and captain, Abdoul Aziz Keita dispatched a venomous final penalty to spark wild celebration on a chilly Sunday night.
Semi Finals:
Cote D’Ivoire faces Mali meanwhile Guinea will play the Democratic Republic of Congo at the last four stage on Wednesday and Thursday next week respectively.
The CHAN tournament only accommodates players plying their trade in the domestic leagues on the African continent.
Libya won the last tournament in 2014, hosted in South Africa.
