Bafana Bafana whitewashed

2006-01-30 21:30

Alexandria - Christopher Katongo scored on Monday to give Zambia a 1-0 win over South Africa, their first win in Group C of the African Cup of Nations.

And, South Africa became the first side since the Nations Cup field was increased to 16 teams in 1996 to finish the tournament without any points or goals.

Katongo scored from 73rd-minute a cross from Clive Hachilensa to hand South Africa, the 2010 World Cup host, its third straight defeat without scoring.

Zambia had also been eliminated before the match and was playing for pride at the partially renovated Alexandria Stadium.

Most of the 5 000 fans present chanted "Egypt, Egypt," throughout the game.

South Africa pressed Zambia for most of the match and twice missed clear chances to score in the first half.

Daniel Tshabalala slipped in the goalmouth in the 42nd with the ball at his feet and Siyabonga Nomvethe botched an injury-time cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Wide of the goal

Portsmouth striker Collins Mbesuma led the Chipolopolo's counter-attacks and nearly scored a great back flick in the 32nd, sending a ball from James Chamanga just wide of the goal.

Katongo then appeared to put the Zambians ahead seconds before the break, but his goal was disallowed by a late offside call.

Zambia fought harder in the second half and a header from Katongo beat goalkeeper Calvin Marlin in the 49th, but skimmed the post.

The midfielder repeatedly tested Marlin's reflexes and eventually scored at close range from Hachilensa's ball through South Africa's ragged defense.

Lineups:

Zambia: Kennedy Mweene, Kennedy Nketani, Joseph Musonda, Elijah Tana, Collins Mbesuma, Chistopher Katongo, Andrew Sinkala, Clive Hachilensa, Felix Katongo (Adubelo Phiri, 63), James Chamanga, Lemeck Njobvu (Ian Bakala, 67).

South Africa: Calvin Marlin, Jimmy Tau, Daniel Tshabalala (Elrio van Heerden, 61), Mbulelo Mabizela, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Mlungisi Gumbi, Pierre Issa, Siyabonga Nomvethe (Joseph Makhanya, 66), Katlego Mphela, Tsepo Masilela, Siyabonga Nkosi (Lefalamang Mokoena, 80).

- AP