Nations Cup Day 15 as it unfolded

LATEST ACTION AS IT HAPPENS (ALL TIMES GMT)

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QUARTER-FINAL 1:

Zambia 3-0 Sudan, Bata (FT)

Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea (FT)

By Piers Edwards

2104: And this is a text we like to receive in this office! "You guys are doing a wonderful job in covering the African Nations Cup - keep it up! May I wish the Chipolopolo boys all the best in the semis! Soko, in Chingola, Zambia" Thanks Soko - we will certainly try to.

And a clarification from Bwalya (see 1956) about the celebration in Ndola, Zambia. "Yes Piers, I mean it in a good way - fireworks, music, dancing and all. Ivory Coast have made it, so we just have to despatch Ghana now to have a Zambia vs Ivory Coast final." Fair enough, although I'm sure the Tunisians might have something to say about that. But I can only imagine the celebrations across Zambia right now - first semis in 16 years must taste extremely sweet.

That's it for tonight - join us tomorrow, when we will find out who makes up the last four at this intriguing Nations Cup.

Bata semi-final: Zambia v Ghana/Tunisia

Libreville semi-final: Gabon/Mali v Ivory Coast

That's what we're down to. Are there any surprises left in this tournament? Durosimi Thomas and Stephen Fottrell will let you know from 1530 GMT on Sunday. See you then.

2101: Prince from Arizona, United States, says "Hope Ivory Coast continue this till the end". And Daggy, who texted earlier, thinks they will be there against Ghana, despite his hopes for the Chipolopolo. "I reckon it will be a West African derby in the final. Of course, it's obvious for everyone. But I would love to see Zambia being crowned kings of Africa. Daggy"

2056: That's as far as the co-hosts' on-field action goes and it seemed a logical place to end. Ultimately, the tournament's lowest-ranked team were outclassed by Ivory Coast, with Didier Drogba proving clinical in front of goal after his first-half penalty miss. The Elephants captain grabbed a double, with Yaya Toure bending in a beauty.

Ivory Coast - whose players are celebrating with their fans - will play either Gabon or Mali in Wednesday's semi-final in Libreville. Meanwhile, the National Lightning players look disconsolate but they can be very proud of all that they have achieved at these finals, where the 2-1 win over Senegal will be a game remember down the years in African football history.

2054: IVORY COAST QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINALS AS EQUATORIAL GUINEA EXIT THE TOURNAMENT

2054: FULL-TIME! Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea

2052: The crowd roars its approal as Rui Gomez, who made the error for Ivory Coast's opener, lets fly from 30 yards, catching it clean but the ball whistles over the crossbar. At the other end, as the Elephants charge forward, Gervinho tees up Bony who surely can't miss from eight yards - but does - leaning back and side-footing over the bar. Wayward, very wayward. A fourth might have been harsh on the co-hosts though...

2051: Into the first of four minutes of additional time at the end of the game. Ivory Coast are through, and Eq Guinea are playing out their last few moments. When will they be back at a Nations Cup?

2048: Texts flooding in. "Hello from Cape Town, South Africa. The whole of southern Africa is celebrating Zambia's march to the Championship. Viva Chipolopolo. From Siya".

If you're wondering what's happening on the pitch, Danilo is receiving treatment - and probably using the moment to savour the last few seconds of what has been an unforgettable Nations Cup campaign for the National Lightning.

2046: Final change for Ivory Coast as Kafoumba Coulibaly is replaced by Emmanuel Eboue. The Ivorians look like they can score at will here, while Eq Guinea are still plugging away at the other end. Yet to make a dent though. Three minutes left.

2044: Wilfried Bony almost makes it four, but curls his low strike a yard wide of Danilo's left-hand post from 22 yards. Meanwhile, Salomon Kalou - a notable absentee from the starting line-up - comes on for Gradel.

2043: Raul Fabiani comes on for Equatorial Guinea as Fousseny Kamisoko trudges off. Just over six minutes left to play and the co-hosts' dream has ended against a solid orange wall.

2041: Another contender for goal of the tournament as Yaya Toure curls into the top right-hand corner from 30 yards with great power. If the African Footballer of the Year had walked over to the top corner to place the ball exactly where he wanted it to go, he might have chosen the spot where his stunning strike flew in. The Ivorians coasting now.

2041: GOAL! Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea (Y Toure)

2037: Eq Guinea are on the attack, having a sustained period in the final third, but they can't fashion a chance. A goal would crown their hugely-impressive Nations Cup but with six men often strung across the Elephants' backline, it's proving difficult.

2036: Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui makes his first change as he brings on Wilfried Bony, who impressed in the 2-0 win over Angola, both scoring and creating, while Didier Zokora is off.

2035: TV screens are suggesting that Drogba's header flew in at 70 kilometres per hour, which would seem to be mightily fast. No wonder Danilo never got a hand on it although, to be fair to the Eq Guinea keeper, he wasn't too far away.

2034: The BBC's Nick Cavell inside a disappointed Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. "Fans already leaving to beat the rush home I guess!" That's disappointing...

2032: For the record, his two goals today have taken Drogba joint top at the scoring charts with three but he is one of only three active players left, along with Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Zambia's Chris Katongo, after the exits of Houssine Kharja (Morocco) and Manucho (Angola).

2031: Eq Guinea sub. Ivan Bolado is on, after surprisingly failing to start, and Narcisse Ekanga goes off. Was that his last action at the tournament? And what can Bolado do?

2029: What a finish as Didier Drogba displays all his class and power as he thumps home a header following a fine free-kick in from Yaya Toure. The captain charges in and meets a high ball with a header that tears into the roof of the net from 15 yards - a moment of pure quality in a match largely devoid of it.

2027: GOAL! Ivory Coast 2-0 Equatorial Guinea (Drogba)

2024: Boubacar Barry is down to receive treatment, after the Ivorians sportingly put the ball out of play at the other end to help Kily, who was struggling with an injury.

Meanwhile, another text in about the Chipolopolo. Obed Ndlovu has texted in from Fort McMurray in Canada. "I got a strong feeling that Zambia are bang on to be the biggest upset and they will snatch the championship in sensational fashion. Most likely from Ivory Coast. Chipolopolo all the way."

2022: Just when you think he might silence his critics, Gervinho gives them more ammunition. He goes on a thrilling run, turning this way and that past the Eq Guinea defence, but then takes too heavy a touch as he is finally in on goal. Great shame, but fine approach play from the (misfiring) Gunner. We've had over an hour now. 30 minutes for the co-hosts to find a goal to stay in the tournament.

2020: Another good searching cross from Eq Guinea and this time, Fidjeu is in on the action - but his header flies forward from a tight angle and is only likely to challenge someone in the crowd. Good delivery though. Quick as a flash, Ivory Coast go up the other end and after fine jinking wing play from Gradel, his cutback from the byline sails through the Eq Guinea defence - and is just a yard behind Gervinho. End-to-end stuff.

2019: That's much better to watch. Yaya Toure glides forward and picks out Gervinho at the back post. The Arsenal could head into the path of the totally unmarked Drogba but chooses to aim at goal himself - his effort going straight at Danilo who tips over. Higher-quality football from the Elephants so a bit disappointing to see Gervinho flagged offside in a tight call - and the momentum goes a little.

2016: It's hardly action to grip the neutral but the co-hosts won't mind. They'll be happy to get their foot on the ball and just pass it around. But any error is pounced on early, as we saw there from Gervinho. But the co-hosts spring forward and win yet another corner. They have yet to threaten from them so far. Once again, the delivery is harmless - straight into the unchallenged arms of Boubacar Barry.

2014: A break in play as Drogba appears to clash heads with Ben Konate. Play is back underway.

2011: Ivory Coast enjoy a good spell of possession, with Yaya Toure probing with some through balls that just fail to find their man. Eq Guinea are going to have to work extremely hard and get everything right if they are to turn this around.

2007: Early corner for the National Lightning. Can Kily deliver? Not on this occasion but simply because he plays it back to change the angle, and a good ball in is headed away. Better from the co-hosts.

2006: Another text in on Zambia's win - this time from Chris Yaluma in the United States. "As a Chipolopolo fan, I think Zambia v Ghana would be a fitting semi-final. To be the Champion, you have to beat the best. Mouth-Watering".

2005: The co-hosts kick off the second half and need to score the first goal against the Elephants at this competition if they are to stay in the finals.

2004: Eq Guinea's Thierry Fidjeu is coming on for the co-hosts and he offers up a prayer before coming on to replace Ekedo. We're almost underway.

2002: The teams are back out, with the Eq Guinea players first out. The Ivorians follow - and there's a job to be done now for both sides. Meanwhile, Konate, who was born in Abidjan, is talking in relaxed fashion with Elephants players. He's one of many in the co-hosts' squad to have switched nationality to enable them to play for the National Lightning.

1956: Bwalya in Ndola, Zambia, is an understandably delighted man. "I am looking forward to a Zambia-Ivory Coast final. The copper town of Ndola is up in flames as people celebrate the bullets they have sent to the Nations Cup - it is about time we won the cup." I think you mean all these things in a good way Bwalya - at least, I hope you do. For those that don't know, Zambia's nickname - Chipolopolo - means copper bullet, although I'm not sure the town of Ndola is literally burning. On fire metaphorically I sincerely hope...

1953: Half-time snapshot from the BBC's Nick Cavell inside the first half. "Once again Ivory Coast have dominated without playing well. The opening exchanges were poor - both teams playing some sub-standard football. But Didier Drogba showed all his experience to immediately forget having a penalty saved to score the goal. He kept his calm, despite a slip, to recover and shoot past Danilo. For most of the opening 45 minutes the Ivorians defence looked fairly solid - only real chance for the co-hosts was Randy's shot - Boubacar Barry did not look overly convincing though as he punched away. The Ivorians will probably keep 8 players in their own half for most of the second half, as they have done throughout this tournament."

1950: It seems that Sudan coach Mohamed 'Mazda' Abdallah agrees with such sentiments. "This tournament has been a success for us, we achieved our aim. Since 1976 we hadn't got a point or scored a goal. Unfortunately we lost players to injury, and the penalty changed everything. We need more experience to reach the semi-finals," he said after the 3-0 quarter-final defeat in Bata.

And these are the thoughts of Zambia coach Herve Renard. "We went to sleep a little bit in the second half. Then, as so often, Rainford Kalaba gave us some light, we won a penalty and they were down to 10 men, which made the job easier. All was not perfect today, but you have to be efficient, and in football that's the most important thing."

1947: Eddy Maillet, the Seychellois referee, blows for half-time - and the Ivorians have a foot in the semi-finals. They lead 1-0 thanks to Didier Drogba's goal, the captain atoning for his penalty miss just moments earlier. Will the Elephants shut up shop, as we've seen before at these finals, or push on to kill this game off? And what of the co-hosts - can they find a way back? Whatever your thoughts, text in to [phone] to let us know.

Daggy has, from Sudan, to say ... "My Sudanese colleagues are disappointed." I bet they are Daggy but still, this tournament has been a success for the Jediane Falcons. First Nations Cup goal since 1976, and first win since 1970 - you can't really have too many complaints after that surely.

1946: One minute of added time to be played at the end of the first half.

1945: That's better, much better, for the National Lightning as the ball sits up for Randy just outside the D and he connects well with his volley - but is sad to see it fly straight at Barry in the Elephants' goal. Fine hit though, and the first time Barry has had to make a proper save.

1943: Nearing half-time, which is just over two minutes away, and Eq Guinea are enjoying good possession. Kily eventually gets the ball on the right after nice build-up from the co-hosts, and wins a corner. Can they threaten the Elephants' backline? No, they can't - as Drogba heads clear.

1939: Barry is now called into action and flaps at a deep diagonal cross into his box. Poor goalkeeping but the Ivorians clear their lines.

1939: Eq Guinea have a free-kick in a promising position, which Juvenal swings over, the ball drops to Randy in a central position some 30 yards from goal but his effort sails a few yards over Boubacar Barry's goal. The Ivorian keeper has had little to do so far.

1937: Ivorian captain Didier Drogba makes instant amends for his penalty miss when taking advantage of Gomez's sloppy clearance. The big man checks inside, slips only to regain his composure, before drilling into Danilo's bottom right-hand corner from 12 yards.

1936: GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-0 Equatorial Guinea (Drogba)

1935: Jama has texted in - not about this game or that terrific save - but about Zambia. "Am glad to see Zambia through as I am always looking for a great show every time they play - such an organised team. Good luck Chipolopolo from a big UK fan. Jama Daahir".

1930: After Didier Zokora is fouled inside the box, by Ivory Coast-born Ben Konate, national captain Didier Drogba has the chance to give the tournament favourites the lead - but Danilo guesses right, and goes to his right, to make the save, and the roof (if the stadium had one) would be off. "The crowd has gone wild," says Nick Cavell inside the arena.

1929: PENALTY MISSED!

1927: PENALTY TO IVORY COAST

1923: Midway through the first half, and Eq Guinea have survived. The Elephants have their best chance, as Max Gradel's shot is blocked, before Yaya Toure's effort is also instantly closed down - before the balls spills to Gradel, who has a chance to bury it from 10 yards but can't get over the ball which flies harmlessly into the air. E Guinea were rocking then - and not in a good way.

1920: "The Equatorial Guinea fans are cheering their defence as it seems their attacks could be quite limited today," says the BBC's Nick Cavell inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Chenuela has got in touch from Lagos. "A good history indeed for E Guinea but I'm afraid double DD (Drogba) is going to spoil their fun - and then we will see an empty stadium and Caf feeling it most. lvory Coast v Ghana in the final".

1916: Third corner of the game to the Ivorians but once again, the co-hosts clear their line in defence. A total mismatch on paper, this game has settled down nice and early - and E Guinea appear set for a long defensive job tonight.

1915: The co-hosts have yet to threaten but Gilson Paulo is organising his charges from the bench. As I write this, Kily does get forward and delivers a good ball across which Randy at the far post cannot control. Still 0-0 though.

1913: Lest we forget, the task facing Eq Guinea today is simple - score the first goal against Ivory Coast at this tournament. Can they do it? And if not, what chance a penalty shoot-out to take the co-hosts through? Surely not...

1911: Gervinho breaks free to deliver a terrific low ball across the Eq Guinea penalty area, but Laurence Doe - returning from suspension - cuts that out with a fine block. Corner to the Ivorians though, this one well-cleared.

1909: Ivory Coast winger Max Gradel drives forward with purpose before firing a low 25-yarder across goal and a yard wide of Danilo's right-hand post. Good strike, good run, but poor on placement. Bright play though from the former Leeds Utd winger.

1906: Early corner to Ivory Coast is scrambled clear by Danilo who is happy to punch clear even though he is under no real pressure.

1903: Mulisha has texted in to say. "I am a Zambian currently based in the UK. Unfortunately today I could not watch the game as I had to be at work. I am dancing right now and can only imagine what the atmosphere must be at home. I am so proud to be Zambian and what a way to give respect to our fallen heroes of 1993."

1902: Early chance for Didier Drogba but his effort at the back post lacks power and is straight at Danilo.

1900: The second quarter-final of the day is underway as Ivory Coast kick off. Equatorial Guinea are all in white today, while the Ivorians are wearing their traditional orange.

1900: Nick Cavell inside the Malabo arena again. "Equatorial Guinea's players and fans sing the anthem very ardently - BUT IT IS STILL NOT FULL HERE!" Why on earth not? After all, this stadium can only hold just over 15,000 fans. I hope it's just because they are late coming in, and nothing else.

1859: So a reminder of where we stand. Zambia are through to Wednesday's semi-final in Bata, where they will play the winner of tomorrow's clash between Ghana and Tunisia. Meanwhile, the winner of this Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast tie will meet either Gabon or Mali in the last four in Libreville next week.

1855: Hisham in London has texted in to talk about his beloved Sudan. "The journey comes to an end. Fair result as Zambia were the better team. I hope the Sudanese FA looks after this team and prepares them well for next year's CAN." I think we can all agree with that Hisham - and Sudan really did cover themselves in glory at these finals, as they reached the last eight with an entirely domestic squad - some contrast to Senegal's failure with all their high-profile stars...

1851: The BBC's Nick Cavell again. "10 mins to kick-off and still a couple of thousand empty seats here in Malabo - surely this stadium will be full... Meanwhile, massive cheers here for every name read out with great gusto and style by the announcer - Juve-Juve-Juve-Juvenaaaaaaaal, by way of example!"

1850: So some reaction to these teams. I make it that the Ivorians have made six changes from their last match, when coach Francois Zahoui rested a number of players after qualifying for the quarter-finals after just two games. The players staying in are Boka, Toure, Bamba, Gradel and Koulibaly, while regular goalkeeper Barry, Gosso Gosso, Zokora, Toure, Gervinho and captain Drogba return.

As for the co-hosts, some surprises there with no Thierry Fidjeu nor Ivan Bolado in the starting line-up. Are we going to see a conservative 4-5-1 from coach Gilson Paulo as he looks to limit a team lying 133 places above the National Lightning in the rankings?

1848: Equatorial Guinea line-up: 1-Danilo, 03-Kily, 15-Laurence Doe, 04-Rui Fernando Gomez, 05-Fousseny Kamissoko, 11-Javier Balboa, 20-Daniel-Bladimir Ekedo, 06-Juvenal Edjogo (c), 08-Randy, 14-Ben Konate, 17-Narcisse Ekanga.

1845: Ivory Coast line-up: 01-Boubacar Barry, 03-Arthur Boka, 04-Kolo Toure, 22-Sol Bamba, 06-Jean Jacques Gosso Gosso, 14-Kafoumba Coulibaly, 05-Dider Zokora, 19-Yaya Toure, 15-Max Gradel, 10-Gervinho, 11-Didier Drogba (c)

1840: Nick Cavell is inside the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo for tonight's game, and he has sent this from the Equatoguinean capital. "The stadium announcer is trying to get the crowd going - with some 25 mins still to go before the match - probably a thousand or so orange Ivorian fans dotted around the stadium. Now playing "Tonight's going to be a good night..." But for who??" Good question but surely the Elephants will see this one out - or are we in for one of the biggest Nations Cup surprises ever? In fact, if Equatorial Guinea beat Ivory Coast tonight, where would it rank in the history of Nations Cup upsets for you? Don't forget to text in on [phone].

1835: Thanks Durosimi - and belated congratulations to Zambia, as they reach their first semi-finals since 1996. Apologies for the delay, but I am finally with you - and finally ready to bring you details of tonight's second quarter-final, as Equatorial Guinea contest the biggest match in the country's footballing history. The co-hosts are in their first Nations Cup quarter-finals, where they will face none other than the tournament favourites - Ivory Coast's unbeaten Elephants. Do they have a prayer? Well, you tell me. Our normal text number has been encountering some problems, so we have a different one today - so if you want to comment here, whether on the match coming up or on Zambia's historic win, text [phone].

By Durosimi Thomas

1811: We still have just under an hour to the next quarter-final between top favourites Ivory Coast and co-host Equatorial Guinea when you will join my colleague Piers Edwards to take you through the commentary right here. I won't rule out any upset as Ivory Coast remain untested so far. However, I think Equatorial Guinea will still find it difficult to beat the Elephants based on the strength of the co-host's last performance against Zambia.

1802: For Zambia - good side, exciting players and I want to add: please coach Renard, keep on your 'lucky' white shirt.

1756: As Sudan pack their bags for home they should not be in despair because after two Cup of Nations in the last four years, this could be one step in the country's football revival. If 2008 and 2012 were learning curves, it means Sudan would be taken seriously for their next appearance.

1753: In front of an empty stadium, Zambia win easily against a Sudanese side that had just started to believe in themselves in the tournament. The Zambians showed some experience over Sudan. So, Zambia reach their first semi-final since South africa in 1996 in which they finished third.

1752: FULL-TIME! Zambia 3-0 Sudan

1751: Akram is forced to make a save to his right to stop a shot from the edge of the box.

1748: There will be four minutes of added time.

1747: With a minute of normal time remaining Zambia captain Katongo is substituted for Jonas Sakuwaha.

1744: Substitute James Chamanga chips to the far corner as Zambia consolidate their advantage. Surely, this could be the end of Sudan's Cup of Nations campaign.

1743: GOAL! Zambia 3-0 Sudan

1740: Katongo is back in. Sudan, however, look less spirited to launch a revival especially playing with 10 men and just seven minutes to pull off a comeback.

1738: Sudan are passing quite alright but are not necessarily pushing forward at all. They have the numerical balance at the moment until Zambia captain Katongo returns.

1733: Both teams are temporarily 10-a-side as Katongo is taken off after running into the high boots of Akram.

1732: Zambia miss another chance as a medley in the Sudan defence sees an open goal but no orange shirt to slot home.

1727: Sudan captain Haitham Mostafa is substituted and badr Eldin Alsod comes on - a sign that Sudan may be resigning to make a comeback in this game. Earlier, Emanuek Mayuka was replaced by James Chamanga.

1724: Zambia captain Christopher Katongo steps up to take the kick but could only convert on his second attempt after Akram had initial saved. And Sudan are down to ten men after the incident that led to the penalty. Ali idris was sent-off after bringing down Rainford Kalaba.

1723: GOAL! Zambia 2-0 Sudan

1721: PENALTY TO ZAMBIA

1717: The game is virtually being played in the Zambian half as Sudan push forward with short passes and long crosses to the wings. It looks as if the Chipolopolos are content in just containing their opponents and settle for a defensive approach, but responsding on the counter.

1712: Mudather Eltaib gets a chance to make a good shot at goal - he does but Mweene again is well placed to catch. Zambia, meanwhile, make their first change as Chisamba Lungu is replaced by Francis Kasonde.

1710: Ahmed Khalifa volleys just wide for Sudan after a beautiful combination. It seems as if whatever pep talk coach Mazda of Sudan may have had with his players in the dressing home, his charges are laying things according to plan.

1706: And just the point I and Matthew have been making about Sudan - they look pretty much settled in this early part of the second-half, passing the ball with much more precision and even goalkeeper Mweene is forced off his line to intercept a cross.

1703: The second half is underway. I certainly agree to your point there, Matthew, on Zambia, who should not rest after taking the lead.

1700: Matthew, who is following the game for the BBC sums up the first-half as follows: Zambia much the better side going forward - creative, quick and thoughtful. And Sudan's defence has been very poor. But Zambia can't afford to let their concentration drop off - and it looked like they were in danger of that a couple of times. 1-0 at half time. Chipolopolo will know exactly what they need to do.

1649: HALF-TIME. It's half-time and Zambia are counting the minutes as they edge closer to the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Sudan, however, are not yet down and certainly not out.

1648: Sudan are pressing for an equaliser as they fire blanks in the Zambian defence. Samir Osman dribbles fine in the far side but simulates a foul inside the box and he also receives the yellow card.

1646: zambia concede a freekick from a dangerous position as Nathan Sinkala is booked for fouling Ali Adris.

1645: Two minutes of added time is now being played.

1644: Sudan string passes casually in midfield but they are not threatening the Zambian defence. All the orange shirts are in their own half.

1640: Nazar came on but it is clear that he is going to be substituted as he goes down again for a second time. Nazar is stretchered off and Ramadan replaces him in midfield.

1637: However things are looking grim for Sudan as another player Hamid Nazar goes down after pulling a harmstring.

1635: Akram has denied Zambia a second goal after parrying for a corner. The corner has not produced a goal as Mayuka is caught offside. Although Zambia have scored a goal in good time, they must net rest on this slender lead - the Sudanese have shown in this tournament that they can fight back. It's not yet over.

1630: Akram punches away a Zambian corner as Sudan make a change with Amir Kamal Suliman coming on for the injured Yousif Ala eldin.

1628: Sudan defender Yousif Ela Eldin is stretchered off after pulling what seems to be a harmstring. This could well be the first substitution of the match.

1625: Sudan win a free-kick in their own half and it is taken by goalkeeper Akram. The ball goes deep inside the Zambian defence and there was moment of hesitation there on the part of the keeper to collect but the ball is cleared away.

1621: Zambia's coach the Frenchman Renard is sporting his 'lucky' white shirt again for today's game. But interestingly Sudan are in all white for the game, while Zambia are in orange shirts, green shorts and orange socks.

1619: Mohamed ahmed Bashir volleys from outside the box but Zambia keeper Kennedy Mweene is well positioned to save.

1617: Lungu fires from the edge of the box, but this time Salim El Hadi Akram dives to his right to save the shot.

1615: Stoppila Sunzu heads home freely in an open Sudanese defence to give Zambia the lead. The Chipolopolo are clearly dominating and the pressure seems to have reap dividends.

1615: GOAL! Zambia 1-0 Sudan

1605: And they're off with the score at 0-0 after 5 minutes.

1558: With minutes to go Matthew tweets that the stadium is still empty.

1556: Sudan make only one change with Omer Maaz starting for Nagm Eldin who was injured in the last group game against Burkina Faso. Zambia remain unchanged from their last encounter against Equatorial Guinea. The Chipolopolos are favourites to win this game but coach Herve Renard tells my BBC colleague Matthew Kenyon that "It is the most important game" of his life.

1554: And here are the line-ups for both sides:

Zambia: 16-Kennedy Mweene, 3-Chisamba Lungu, 4-Joseph Musonda, 5-Hichani Himoonde, 6-Davies Nkausu, 8-Isaac Chansa, 11-Chris Katongo (c), 13-Stoppila Sunzu, 27-Rainford Kalaba, 19-Nathan Sinkala, 20-Emmanuel Makaya.

Sudan: 21-Akram, 03-Muawia, 05-Ala Eldin, 06-Omer Maaz Mussa Musaab, 08-Hitham (c), 09-Saif Eldin, 10-Mohamed Tahir, 15-Khalifa, 17-Mudather Eltaib, 19-Ahmed Bashir, 23-Nazar

1545: The BBC's Matthew Kenyon in Bata tweets that flags of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) are at half mast in Bata, as a sign of respect for the 74 victims who died in Egypt during a league game on Wednesday. A minute of silence will also be observed before kick-off and we expect to see all the players putting on black arm bands.

1535 GMT: A very good evening. Well, after a 48-hour break, the action resumes shortly as the knock-out stages of the Africa Cup of Nations kick-off in Bata. The first quarter-final is between Zambia and Sudan - two sides who are no strangers to each other - and later you will be joining my colleague Piers Edwards for the second encounter between the co-host Equatorial Guinea, who will be taking on hot favourites Ivory Coast. In just a moment I will be giving you the latest team news and update on the atmosphere from the Estadio de Bata.