Spirited Zambia shock Ivory Coast

Topple star-studded favourites to lift Africa Cup of Nations.

LIBREVILLE: Zambia conjured up a shock when they toppled star-studded Ivory Coast 8-7 in a penalty shoot-out to claim their first Africa Cup of Nations title.

With the sides goal-less after extra time, Zambia’s Stoppila Sunzu converted the magic spot kick after Arsenal striker Gervinho missed for the Elephants. The result meant misery for hot favourites Ivory Coast, who failed to claim the title despite not conceding a goal throughout the entire competition until Sunday’s shootout.

It also revived unhappy memories for Didier Drogba, who missed a penalty in the second half of normal time, and company of their 2006 penalty shoot out final defeat to Egypt in Cairo.

Zambia, motivated by the memory of the 1993 national team wiped out in a plane crash off the Libreville coast, went into the 2012 climax as outsiders.

‘It was written in the sky’

But they covered themselves with glory, hassling and harrowing their way to the penalty lottery, and then holding their nerve to prevail in the dramatic, barely watchable denouement.

Zambia coach Herve Renard was ecstatic after the victory.

“This represents something enormous,” said Renard. “I know we’re not the best but we have a strength and force that animated our team. It was destiny, written in the sky, there was a force with us. I think God helped us and gave us the strength.”

Meanwhile, Renard’s opposite number Francois Zahoui was left disappointed, but impressed by Zambia’s performance.

“We didn’t expect such a challenging final,” said Zahoui. “This is a big disappointment for us. We didn’t have much luck, we missed the penalty in normal time, then perhaps lost a bit of confidence. We go back to Abidjan with not too much shame. I think we’ve played a good game. I congratulate Zambia.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.