Zambia captain Christopher Katongo has been promoted to Warrant officer class one following his impressive showing at the Africa Cup of Nations so far.
Katongo has guided Chipolopolo to a semi-final tie with Ghana although he was awarded by state president Michael Sata prior to their quarter-final match against Sudan in Bata on Saturday.
Katongo, who has been a soldier since joining Zambia army club Green Buffaloes in 2001, currently plays for Henan Jiyanyi in China.
Previous clubs include Jomo Cosmos, Brondby, Arminia Bielefeld and Xanthi.
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."