They beat Uganda 1-0  to follow their earlier victory over Zimbabwe, with former captain Christopher Katongo scoring the only goal of the game.

Katongo, who captained Zambia to their Nations Cup victory in 2012, had left the senior national team after a row with the coaches two years later.

The 33-year-old, who plays for local club side Green Buffaloes, was given a reprieve and picked for the tournament and duly repaid their faith.

He rose highest to head home in the 41st minute to guarantee his team a spot in the quarter-finals alongside hosts Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zimbabwe have no chance of making it through, however, after losing 1-0 to Mali. 

They were defeated by an an 81st minute volley from Moussa Sissoka - no relation of the French star who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League.

Mali are due to face Zambia in a crucial match at Kigali's Stade Régional Nyamirambo on Wednesday (January 27), while Zimbabwe will face the tough ask of seeking a consolation prize against Zambia.

Action is scheduled to continue tomorrow as Morocco face hosts Rwanda and Ivory Coast take on Gabon in the final round of Group A matches.

The tournament, now its fourth edition, differs from the more elite Africa Cup of Nations, as only players who represent clubs on the continent are allowed to take part.

Defending champions Libya are not participating after failing to come through qualification.