Kilembe set up Zambia's only goal

Zambia�s hopes of qualifying for Tunisia 2004 were dented by a lacklustre performance in their home draw with Sudan.

The 1-1 scoreline puts Sudan out of the Nations Cup while Zambia's fate will be decided by the all-important clash in Benin next month.

Group 3 statistics

The Chipolopolo have a four-point gap over the Beninois but the latter can reduce this to just one if they beat bottom-placed Tanzania tomorrow.

Zambian hopes of a home win were thwarted by the visitors� outstanding defence and a draw was no less than the often-superior Sudanese deserved.

The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes as striker Abedi Galag broke free from the Zambian defence and neatly finished a one-on-one past goalkeeper Davis Phiri.

The home side were continually frustrated in their attempts to equalise until coach Patrick Phiri introduced substitute Songwe Chalwe in the 71st minute.

Chalwe made an immediate impact, sparking life into a previously-disappointing attack and scoring the equaliser within a minute of coming on after Rotson Kilambe teed him up in the area.

And Chalwe could have won the tie with nine minutes left as the home side's attacks mounted but his close-range header slipped just past the far post to leave Zambian hopes of qualification in the balance.

"This draw has put us in a very awkward situation," coach Phiri admitted.

"The team showed their lack of experience, especially in midfield."

Disappointed fans tried to get into the home dressing room after the game but were dispersed by tear gas.

The Sudanese were also left disappointed and some of their players were seen shedding tears as the final whistle signalled the end of their hopes of qualification.