Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia: Katongo goal sees the Copper Bullets through as Group A winners but co-host joins them in knockout stages

A second half strike by Christopher Katongo proved enough to earn Zambia the three points in a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in AFCON Group A at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo in Malabo.

The result sees both Zambia and tournament co-host Equatorial Guinea qualify for the knockout stages.

The home side's first attempt on goal came from a Juvenal shot, but it didn’t trouble Kennedy Mweene, in goal for the Copper Bullets. At the other end, Emmanuel Mayuka did well to beat Fousseny Kamissoko in the air but headed over the bar.

Zambia enjoyed more of the possession in the opening 20 minutes but both sides struggled to create any real chances. Rainford Kalaba’s in-swinging free kick was dealt with well by Danilo, who punched the ball away from danger.

Chipolopolo captain Katongo had a good chance in the 35th minute when Kalaba passed to him outside the area. Katongo then beat an Equatorial Guinea defender before shooting low at Danilo, who saved with ease.

The home side had the best chance of the first half when Juvenal’s pass found Ivan Bolado, whose low shot was saved by the oncoming Mweene. The loose ball was picked up outside the area but Equatorial Guinea couldn’t get a second shot at goal.

Herve Renard’s side was gifted a goalscoring opportunity in the 48th minute when Danilo caught the ball from what was deemed to be a back pass by the referee. The subsequent free kick was laid off before being driven powerfully and low towards the goal, but Ben Konate bravely jumped in front of the shot and sent it out for a corner.

Juvenal looked impressive for the home side and had a another long range effort five minutes into the second half, but this time he sent the ball high over the Zambia bar.

Gilson Paulo’s men upped the tempo of their game as the second half progressed, with Juvenal continuing to create opportunities, but it was Zambia which took the lead in the 67th minute. Katongo received the ball outside the Equatorial Guinea area before beating two defenders to fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net, past an outstretched Danilo.

Juvenal came close to equalizing a few minutes later when he saw his curling free kick just go over the crossbar. Kalaba came close for Renard’s side five minutes later when he cut inside from the left and shot, but his effort was blocked by the defense.

Time was running out for Equatorial Guinea to find the equalizer and the Chipolopolo held out for the three points. The victory sees the team leapfrog its opposition into first place in Group A. But the Nzalang National could rejoice in the knowledge that they too were heading into the knockout round.

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