Zambia slink out of Afcon

The teams played to a lacklustre goalless draw at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

It is the first time the reigning champions have gone out in the group stage since 1990 in Algeria, when there were still just 12 teams involved.

Zambia went into the game level on points with Nigeria, who qualified to the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in the other Group C match – both goals scored by Victor Moses from the penalty spot in the last 10 minutes.

It was a poor performance from Chipolopolo, who will rue their missed chances, with Collins Mbesuma and Rainford Kalaba the main guilty parties, although Clifford Mulenga also missed a half-chance late in the game.

Zambia leave South Africa unbeaten, but have not displayed the form that handed them the trophy last year.

Burkina Faso, who thumped Ethiopia 4-0 last Friday, finished top of Group C on goal difference.