Cape Verde and Zambia crash out after goalless draw

Cape Verde and Zambia are both out of the African Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw in a game played in treacherous conditions.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock which means Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo progress to the last eight after their game ended 1-1.

Chipolopolo, who were missing Southampton striker Emmanuel Mayuka, created few chances in a dire first half.

Evans Kangwa’s header from a corner was cleared off the line early on, while Rainford Kalaba went close with a low effort before having a free-kick punched away.

The Blue Sharks, who had drawn their two previous group games, should have taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when an unmarked Fernando Varela was unable to guide his header on target.

The rain got worse in the second half with the pitch resembling a swimming pool at times. Cape Verde’s best chance fell to substitute Djaniny whose low drive was tipped wide by the keeper, while Zambia’s best opportunity fell to Kangwa who somehow failed to get his shot on target from eight yards.

Mukuka Mulenga wasted a glorious chance in the dying seconds after putting his shot wide as the 2012 champions crash out along with the Islanders.

5’ – ZAMBIA CHANCE! It's a good delivery to the near post and Kangwa's header is headed off the line.

16’ – PENALTY APPEAL! Kangwa appeals for a handball after his shot is blocked. It came after Vozinha spilled a tame effort.

24’ – KALABA EFFORT! Kalaba does well to hold up the ball and lashes in a low effort that is deflected inches wide

42’ – KALABA FREE-KICK! Kalaba takes the free-kick which he blasts towards goal and the keeper has to punch it clear.

44’ – VARELA MISS! Awful defending from the free-kick which allows Varela to get free but his glancing header goes over the bar, what a chance!

63’ – GOOD SAVE! Djaniny with a low shot from long-range that bounces in front of the keeper but he does well to tip it wide.

75’ – FORTES EFFORT! Fortes trades passes with Djaniny and bursts into the box but the keeper rushes off his line to block his effort.

78 – KANGWA MISS! Lungu's low cross is mis-hit by Kangwa from eight yards out, what a chance!

90’+2 – MUKUKA MISS! Mukuka has a great chance after the keeper fails to gather the ball but he side-foots his effort wide.

Should the game have been halted because of the atrocious conditions? For most of the second half, it was more like a water polo game. There were deep puddles all over the pitch, the ball was hardly rolling and as a result there were no real chances created until the closing stages when the rain eased off. The referee was in a difficult position as the other game was being played at the same time but a short delay could have resulted in a better quality game.

Stoppila Sunzu (Zambia): The no-nonsense defender helped his side keep a clean sheet with his ferocious challenges which kept the Islanders' attackers at bay. He also read the game well and broke up Cape Verde's passing play. Unfortunately his performance was not matched by his team's forwards.

Cape Verde: Vozinha 5, Carlitos 6, Gégé 5, F. Varela 6, Stopira 5, Calú 5, Nuno Rocha 6, T. Varela 5, Garry Mendes 5, Rodrigues 4, Heldon 5. Subs: Djaniny 6, Fortes 5, Kuca 5.

Zambia: Mweene 5, Nkausu 5, Munthali 5, Sunzu 8, Mbola 5, Mtonga 5, Musonda 5, Kalaba 6, Lungu 4, Singuluma 4, Kangwa 6. Subs: Malama 5, Ngoma 5, Mukaka 5.