By Ebenezer Zor (ezee)
 |
| Reigning African Champions, the Chipolopolos of Zambia |
Feburary 12, 2012 will still hover around the minds of
Africa and the Diaspora as the Chipolopolos of Zambia the underdogs defeated
the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 8-7 on penalties to clinch the 28th
edition of Africa’s most prestigious Orange African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in the grand finale played at in
Libreville, Gabon.
The tournament which started on January 21 to February 12
saw 16 teams grouped into four to play 32 matches at four cities- Estadio de
Bata, Nuevo Estadio de Malabo both in Equatorial Guinea and Stade d'Angondjé in
Libreville, Stade de Franceville both
also in Gabon.
HOW ZAMBIA DID IT
On 27 April 1993,
Zambia lost most players on board in those dark Gabonese skies over the
Atlantic Ocean in Gabon of which Kalusha Bwalya was not part of the team as
destiny separated him from such a menace.
“Go into the tournament and make your heroes, comrades and
forefathers who suffered a plane crush some years back proud in Gabon and
Equatorial Guinea”. These were some quotes from the former Zambia international
and also FA President Kalusha Bwalya before the showdown to Coach Herve Renard
and his charges. The words alone inspired them and indeed conquered Africa for
the first time in history and also to be the second country from the Southern
part to lift the title after South Africa had won in 1996.
GROUP STAGE
Zambia was paired with Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Senegal
in Group A to be precise. The Chipolopolos under the captaincy of Chris Katongo
won two matches and drew one in the Group A affair honoured at the Estadio de
Bata . They outmaneuvered Senegal by 2-1, drew 2-2 with Libya and inflicted a
painful 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea to top the group with seven points
plus two goals. All the group matches were played at the Estadio de Bata.
QUARTER FINALS
As usual the competition progresses to the quarter-final
stage where Zambia winner of Group A slugged it out with 2nd runner
Group B, Sudan played at the El Stadio de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. Sudan’s
hopes were thrashed out as they lost 3 – 0 to the Champions Zambia. Chris
Katongo, Chamanga and Sunzu goals did the trick for them.
SEMI FINALS
Nuevo Estadio de Malabo hosted the semi final contest
between Zambia and Ghana. After intense aggression from both teams Emmaunel
Mayuku’s 78th minute goal separated the men from the boys in favor
of the Zambians. Earlier the Black Stars had an opportunity to put their noses
in front through a penalty kick, but Asamoah Gyan nicknamed Baby Jet in the
football circuit failed to shot his side into the lead when his was scooped
away by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
GRAND FINALE
After the men have been deciphered from the boys history was
in the making as the Stade d'Angondjé in Libreville, Gabon hosted the
Chipolopolo of Zambia and the Crème dela crème Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in
what was termed as an epic showpiece of all time. The final was determined by a
penalty shoot out since both teams could not find the back of the net with 120
minutes of soccer fantasy. Zambia defender Sunzu aided his outfits to win the
continental wear on 8-7 against Cote D’Ivoire.
THIRD AND FOURTH PLACE
Having beat Mali 2- 0 in all Group D encounter at the
counter of Nuevo Estadio de Malabo, Ghana underrated their Malian counterparts
as they were paid back in their coin through Cheick Diabete two goals for his
side to earn a bronze.
TEAMS KICKED OUT EARLY
Five teams were booted out of the competition early as they
failed to lift up to the brim as they lost two matches on a trek in the
respective Group matches. The countries
were Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger, Morocco and Botswana. Others followed after
the third round of matches in the group phase.
TOTAL GOALS
Seventy-six goals and average of (2.38 per match) were
recorded at the end of the tournament. Group A which comprised of Equatorial
Guinea, Champions Zambia, Libya and Senegal in all encounters produced 15
goals. Zambia and co-host progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Group B made up of Cote D’lvoire, Angola, Burkina Faso and
Sudan after all three matches also consign to themselves 15 goals apiece. Cote
d’lvoire kept a clean sheet in the group stages as they scored nine goals to
top the group in terms of points and goals. Cote D’lvoire and Sudan made it to
the quarter final stage.
Gabon, Tunisia, Morocco and Niger were in Group C also in
totality 15 goals in all three matches each in the said stage. Gabon and
Morocco emerged as winners of the group.
Sixteen goals were recorded in Group D which constituted
Ghana, Botswana, Mali and Guinea. Ghana and Mali progressed from the group to
the next level of the tournament.
The quarter final matches recorded nine goals aside the
penalty shoot out which did involved Gabon and Mali at the , Stade de Franceville in Gabon.
The semi final clashes between Ghana –Zambia, Cote d’I voire
– Mali produced one goal each in favor of Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire.
AWRADS
TOP SCORERS - Emmanuel
Mayuka ( Zambia)
Christopher Katongo (Zambia)
Manucho (Angola)
Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Cheick Diabaté (Mali)
Houssine Kharja
(Morroco)
All these players scored three goals each during the tournament.
Player of the
tournament was awarded to Zambia Christopher Katongo
Top goal scorer of
the competition: Zambia Emmanuel Mayuka
Fair Player of the
competition: Ivory Coast Jean-Jacques Gosso
Fair Play
award: Côte d'Ivoire
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