No joy for African sides in Asia

African champions Zambia lost at Korea Republic and Ghana drew in China PR as they prepared for CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month. Lee Keunho scored soon after half-time to sink Zambia 2-1 after he had put the South Koreans ahead and Emmanuel Mayuka levelled just before the half-hour mark. CAF Champions League commitments and injuries meant Chipolopolo lacked five of the team that defeated Côte d'Ivoire on penalties in Libreville in February to win their maiden African title. It was the fourth friendly for the Zambians since that unexpected triumph, and a second loss after a 1-0 reverse in Malawi. They defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 last week and drew 0-0 in Angola. Coached by Frenchman Herve Renard, Zambia play Uganda at home in September and away in October with a place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa on the line. Late goal saves GhanaSubstitute Richmond Boakye-Yiadom snatched a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw for Ghana after Lin Gao had put China PR ahead from the penalty spot early in the second half. Boakye-Yiadom had come on for fellow striker Emmanuel Clottey, who has been a revelation for unfancied Berekum Chelsea in the CAF Champions League, scoring 12 goals in nine matches. China PR had a chance to regain the lead when awarded a second penalty five minutes from time but substitute goalkeeper Ernest Sowah saved the kick in his first appearance for the Black Stars. Ghana, shock semi-final losers to Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, have home advantage first over Malawi in their 2013 qualifier.