Zambia pull through to semis

Giantkillers Lesotho followed up a shock first place in Group B by pipping Angola 5-3 on penalties after having the better of a 1-1 draw.
Title-holders Zimbabwe will be the last-four opponents of Lesotho on Wednesday before Zambia tackle South Africa in the main attraction of a double-header.

Zimbabwe have won the southern Africa national team championship a record four times and South Africa and Zambia three times each.
Lesotho came closest to glory 13 years ago when they reached the final only to suffer 3-0 home and away beatings by Zimbabwe under a different format.

After three tight quarter-finals in capital Lusaka and mining city Kitwe, Zambia took just 28 minutes at Nkana Stadium to all but wrap up victory.
Striker Bornwell Mwape converted a penalty on 14 minutes after midfielder Momed Hagi floored striker Festus Mbewe as the ball ran loose.

And the home team, returning to Nkana Stadium after a 15-year absence, doubled their advantage with a surprise Jimmy Chisenga goal.
The full-back floated a cross to the far post and it dipped behind goalkeeper Gervasio Cossa into the net.

Mbewe was foiled by the woodwork and teenage substitute striker Moses Phiri by a marginal offside call after scoring before Zambia added a third goal.
This time there was no denying Phiri as his low, close-range shot flew into the net after good work from midfield star Mukuka Mulenga and Chisenga.

Mozambique snatched a late consolation goal when Apson Manjate controlled a cross with his chest and netted with a spectacular bicycle kick.
Lesotho converted all five post-match penalties while Mano missed for youthful Angola, who used two 16-year-old substitutes.

Tlali Maile, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Thabo Masualle, Bushy Moletsane and Katleho Moleko were the shootout scorers for the Likuena (Crocodiles).
Angola went ahead on 25 minutes with the best goal so far of a tournament revived this year after a three-year absence due to lack of sponsorship.

Striker Mabululu pounced on a careless clearance to unleash a swerving volley past goalkeeper Phasumane Kholuoe from well outside the box.
Lesotho responded with a series of attacks and levelled four minutes before half-time.

A Moleko dribble set up Thapelo Tale to score his third goal of the Cup with a low shot across goalkeeper Nelson.
Lesotho came closer to winning the match during the second half with the crossbar foiling Tale and Lehlomela Ramabele. — AFP.