Zambia target last four

Isaac Chansa is confident Zambia can progress to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time since 1996.

One of the tournament’s most impressive performers so far, Zambia topped Group A with two wins and a draw, including a 2-1 victory over pre-tournament favourites Senegal in their opening match.

They take on Group B runners-up Sudan in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with a place in the last four up for grabs.

“We can realise our semi-final dreams,” Chansa said.

“This time it is our target that we want to go further and continue with our brilliant performance.”

At the 2010 tournament Zambia reached the Afcon quarter-finals for the first time since their third-place finish in 1996.

While the semis remain the target this year, Chansa dares to dream of making all the way to the decider.

“If we get to the final it will be a plus for us and if we get there anything can happen,” Chansa said.

“Two years ago we went to the quarter-finals where we lost to Nigeria but we learnt a lesson from last time.”

“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.”