Zambia captain Christopher Katongo has been promoted by state president Michael Sata for his performance at the Africa Nations Cup.

Katongo, who is a solider in the Zambia army, has been promoted to Warrant officer class one.

Sata announced Katongo's promotion on the eve of Zambia's quarterfinal match against Sudan in Bata on Saturday.

Zambia army spokesperson Christopher Musonda said in a statement:

"The president of the republic of Zambia and commander in chief of the armed forces his excellence Michael Chilufya Sata, has promoted Zambia national soccer team captain Christopher Katongo to warrant officer class one with immediate effect for displaying exemplary leadership and skill in the team which has contributed to the team’s good performance."

Katongo, who currently plays for Henan Jiyanyi in China, has been a soldier since joining Zambia army club Green Buffaloes in 2001.

He later joined Jomo Cosmos in South Africa before moving to Europe in 2007 where he has had stints with Brondby in Denmark, Arminia Bielefeld in Germany and Greek club Xanthi.