Zambia reach last eight

Kalaba's neat flick gave the Chipolopolo a deserved half-time lead and when Chamanga's tap-in doubled the advantage midway through the second period, the match seemed beyond the Black Panthers.

Gabon sub Fabrice Do Marcolino netted with seven minutes remaining to set up a nail-biting finish, but the underdogs held on to book their place in the last eight where they will they now meet Nigeria.

Herve Renard's side knew only a win would see them progress and the Chipolopolo came close to taking the lead on 10 minutes when Felix Katongo's shot was scrambled away by Gabon keeper Didier Ovono.

Jacob Mulenga should then have fired Zambia ahead following Chamanga's cut back, only to shoot into the side-netting, before Katongo's misplaced cross almost caught out the stranded Ovono.

Zambia, though, were not to be denied and deservedly took the lead on 28 minutes.

Katongo played an inch-perfect pass to Kalaba and his delicate flick beat the onrushing Ovono.

Despite their position as Group D leaders, Gabon barely troubled Zambia, although Kennedy Mweene had to be alert to a long ball over the top as Roguy Meye raced in.

But it was Zambia who came closest to extending the lead when Stophira Sunzu headed Christopher Katongo's free kick inches wide.

Gabon came out for the second half with stinging words from boss Alain Giresse in their ears, but despite having the bulk of the early play, it was Zambia who got the all-important second goal.

Mulenga showed great skill to beat Moise Brou Apanga in the Gabon box and his unselfish pass left Chamanga with a simple finish.

The Chipolopolo almost put the game beyond doubt on 71 minutes when Mulenga beat the offside trap, only to be denied by the sprawling Ovono, and it almost proved costly when Gabon sub Do Marcolino took advantage of sloppy defending to fire home with the help of a deflection.

Do Marcolino should have at least tested Mweene with a free-kick from 18 yards on 90 minutes and when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's effort in the third minute of time added on cannoned off the wall, Gabon's last chance had gone, leaving unfancied Zambia to progress from Group D with Cameroon.