Sudan storm into CECAFA final

By Reuben Olita in Nairobi

Semifinals
Sudan 2 Zambia 1

Sudan came from a goal down to beat Zambia’s Chipolopolo to storm the finals of the GOtv Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup  played on Tuesday at Mombasa Municipal Stadium.

The two teams had battled to a goalless draw in regulations time but three goals in extra time produced the winner who will now meet either Kenya or Tanzania who were due to battle for another semifinals on Tuesday evening.

Zambia broke the stalemate after 113th minute when Ronald Kampamba struck with a close range shot.  Undeterred by the early setback, Sudan leveled the score four minutes later opened through Miaaz Abdelrahim.

Salah Ibrahim ensured Sudan played in Thursday’s final when he scored the winner with seconds remaining on the clock.

Zambia who came for the event as guests qualified for the semifinals after beating Burundi 4-3 on penalties after the two teams had tied goalless in regulation time while Sudan upset tournament favourites
2-0 in the other semifinal.

Sudan has won the regional title three times after making 15 appearances since its inception in 1973.

Zambia , the former Africa Nations Cup champions  were hoping to win their third regional title since 1991 when they clinched their second and last crown before switching  to COSAFA region.

They  won their first title in Uganda in 1984 when they beat Malawi 3-1 on penalties before they repeated the feat  in 1991, beating Harambee Stars 2-0 in the finals in Kampala.