Chansa hopeful of Zambia semifinal

Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa says Zambia have proven that they can reach the Afcon semifinals for the first time since 1996. “We can realise out semifinal dreams,” said Chansa. Chipolopolo on Sunday evening booked their second successive Africa Cup quarterfinal place after beating tournament co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in Malabo to finish top of their pool. "This time it is our target that we want to go further and continue with our brilliant performance," Chansa continued.

In 2010, Zambia qualified to the Africa Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1996 when they finished third in South Africa. "If we get to the final it will be a plus for us and if we get there anything can happen," the Orlando Pirates midfielder said. Chansa lamented that this time the team was older and wiser with a mix of the old and new players blending in well after losing to Nigeria two years ago on post-match penalties in the quarterfinals in Angola. "Two years ago we went to the quarterfinals where we lost to Nigeria but we learnt a lesson from last time,” Chansa said. “This time around we are with the same team, but more experience and yes we do have young players and brilliant players and they are doing fantastic for the team.” Zambia, who head back to Bata in midweek, will know who their quarterfinal opponents will be on Monday evening when Group B is decided. Group B leaders Cote d’Ivoire, who have six points, face second-placed Angola on four points in Malabo. Meanwhile third-placed Sudan take on out-of-contention Burkina Faso in Bata in the other simultaneous kick-off.