Zambia went top of Group C in the African Cup of Nations with a 3-0 triumph over Sudan after weathering periods of intense pressure throughout the game.

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A second-minute goal from James Chamanga gave Zambia a slender half-time lead, and they made sure of the win with second-half goals from Jacob Mulenga and Felix Katongo.

The Copper Bullets made a stunning start at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, taking the lead inside two minutes.

Chamanga fed Mulenga on the edge of the box, Mulenga returned the ball to him with an impudent flick on the turn and the Moroka Swallows striker made use of the bounce in the ball to rifle a right-footed shot across Sudan goalkeeper Mahjoub El Moez and inside the far post.

Zambia continued to attack gamely, but after 12 minutes Sudan came within inches of drawing level when Badr Eldin Eldoud's crisply struck half-volley from the right-hand edge of the penalty area struck the woodwork.

And gradually Sudan began to produce the kind of football that had prompted some to tip them to be a surprise success in this tournament.

After 20 minutes Haitham Tambal sent a free header straight at Kennedy Mweene after being picked out by Eldoud, and 10 minutes later Alaeldin Ahmed Gibril lashed the ball over the bar from 15 yards after a free-kick was only half-cleared.

Sudan picked up where they left off at the beginning of the second period, and Mweene had to tip Faisal Agab's header over the bar after he had connected firmly with Eldoud's right wing cross.

But just as it looked like Zambia's resistance might crumble, Katongo drew a sharp save from El Moez and from the resulting corner Patrick Phiri's side doubled their advantage.

Clive Hachilensa crashed a header against the crossbar, and Mulenga's almighty back-post leap allowed him to nod the ball into the unguarded net.

Both sides spurned chances to score as the game opened up, but with half an hour remaining Zambia scored a crucial third when El Moez could only parry Rainford Kabala's fierce shot and Katongo tucked away the rebound.

Zambia could even have extended their lead thereafter, but succeeded only in drawing some superb saves from El Moez - the best of which was an athletic dive to tip away a Mulenga header that looked to be heading into the top-right corner.

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Tom Williams / Eurosport