BATA, Equatorial Guinea – Zambia and Ivory Coast advanced to the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, each asserting its power with a 3-0 victory.
Zambia defeated a Sudan team reduced to 10 players in Bata. Ivory Coast got two goals from Didier Drogba in beating co-host Equatorial Guinea in Malbao.
In Sunday's remaining quarterfinals, it's Ghana vs. Tunisia and Gabon vs. Mali.
Stophira Sunzu opened the scoring for Zambia with a header off a free kick in the 15th minute. Christopher Katongo made it 2-0 in the 66th when he scored from the rebound after his penalty was saved. Substitute James Chamanga sealed it in the 86th with a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Sudan defender Saifeldin Ali Idris was sent off in the 65th for a foul on Rainford Kalaba that led to Katongo's penalty kick.
There were few fans at 37,000-set stadium. Before the game, both teams observed a minute's silence for victims of the stadium riot in Egypt. Some Sudanese players held their hands in front of them in prayer.
In the other quarterfinal, Drogba missed a penalty kick but took advantage of a defensive slip to score in the 36th minute. He then headed into the top corner in the 69th. Yaya Toure added the third goal in the 81st minute with a free kick.
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Emanuel-Danilo Clementino saved Drogba's penalty kick in the 29th minute after a foul on Didier Zokora.
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