Zambia Returns To Form Group D

Zambia swept aside Lesotho 4-0 to reclaim top spot in World Cup qualifying Group D from Ghana, who had moved to the summit on Friday after beating Sudan.

The 2012 African Champions have 10 points, one more than the Black Stars, after two goals from Jacob Mulenga and one each from Christopher Katongo and Collins Mbesuma earned them a comfortable win.

With two rounds of matches remaining it is now a straight fight between Chipolopolo and Ghana to finish top of the group and reach the play-offs as Sudan and Lesotho have been eliminated by their defeats last weekend.

Also out of the running to reach Brazil next year are Botswana, who fell 2-1 at home to Group A leaders Ethiopia.

They lead South Africa by two points after Bafana Bafana also recorded a win in their game, away to Central African Republic (CAR).

CAR join Botswana in exiting the competition.

Sierra Leone were seconds away from pulling off a shock victory over Group B leaders Tunisia but conceded a late goal to be held 2-2.

In the group’s late kick-off, Cape Verde finally ended a nightmare World Cup run by beating Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Praia to collect their points after three consecutive losses.

The win only provides a little pride for The Blue Sharks as they cannot qualify from the group.

Africa’s top-ranked side Ivory Coast were comfortable 3-0 winners against The Gambia, who now cannot progress. The Elephants moved to 10 points at the top of Group C thanks to goals by Lacina Traore, Wilfried Bony and Yaya Toure.