AFCON 2012 concludes in Libreville on Sunday evening when surprise package Zambia meet Ivory Coast. Zambia have already turned over some powerful footballing nations earlier in the tournament but will the final against a side who have always topped the betting boards to lift the trophy prove to be a bridge to far?

A terrific achievement best describes Zambia's performance in reaching this final but make no mistake, they are here on merit and whilst respectful to each every opponent, they have feared no-one. The most conclusive evidence to back up that statement came in their 1-0 semi final win over Ghana, a team who had always been second favourites (behind Ivory Coast) to be crowned champions of Africa.

It's also worth pointing out that Zambia toppled the much fancied Senegal 2-1 in the all important opening group match. They went on to draw 2-2 with Libya in farcical weather conditions and saw off co-host Equatorial Guinea (1-0) to seal top spot in Group A. The quarter finals saw Zambia put Sudan away 3-0 and that set up the date with Ghana who subsequently became their biggest scalp so far. Ghana missed an early penalty in the semi final but Zambia took the game to their opponents and also defended heroically when they came under pressure. Pictures of the wild celebrations at full time which were topped with a rendition of the All Black's Haka summed up the Chipolopolo team spirit. This will be their third appearance in the final having lost twice before in 1974 and 1994.

Zambia have played all their tournament matches so far in Malabo or Bata, Equatorial Guinea and this will be their first visit across the border to Gabon. The squad plan to visit the scene of a plane crash tragedy which took the lives of Zambian players and officials in Gabon 19 years ago and whatever happens in the game itself, they have done themselves and the whole of Zambia proud already. They way Zambia have been playing, it would be unwise to dismiss their chances of another upset, but can they really topple Ivory Coast?

The Elephants can boast a 100% win record in the tournament so far on top of a defensive record which shows they have yet to concede a goal in any of their five matches. They have led at half time in each of their games which have seen them come out on top against Sudan (1-0), Burkina Faso (2-0) and Angola (2-0) in the group stage, Equatorial Guinea (3-0) in the quart finals and Mali (1-0) in the semi final. Ivory Coast last reached the final in 2006 when they lost to Egypt and the only time they lifted this trophy came back in 1992.

On individual talent Ivory Coast have this trophy at their mercy but when it comes to team work and spirit, Zambia have few if any peers. Both sides are well coached, Hervé Renard has Zambia playing some terrific football and believing they can beat anyone whilst François Zahoui, an Ivorian, comes across as someone firmly in the results business with winning the game regardless of style or margin being the most important factor.

Though i want Zambia to win but they are no match for Ivory coast

[flash=450,350]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-3ks7_em5I[/flash]

Zambia prepare for Ivory Coast showdown

Africa Cup of Nations finalists Zambia have arrived in Gabon ahead of Sunday's final against Ivory Coast. Gabon is a country associated with the darkest day in Zambian football history when a 1993 plane crash killed 18 Zambian footballers off the country's coast. Now the team is hoping for a fairytale ending to their run in the competition, when a new continental champion will be crowned on Sunday.

@ Adetayo100,


Don't under estimate Zambia and don't overestimate CIV. Both teams have what it takes to win it. Its going to be a very good game. Individual Talent vs Fast Pacing Style .

if ivory coast thinks ghana would have being a tougher opposition, they may be making a big mistake.

the same zambia has beaten two of the three pre-tournament favourites (senegal & ghana).

and took out sudan 3-0, the same team ivory coast strugled to beat 1-0

the strength of this zambian team is team work, stamina and determination

[QUOTE]
if ivory coast thinks ghana would have being a tougher opposition, they may be making a big mistake.

the same zambia has beaten two of the three pre-tournament favourites (senegal & ghana).

and took out sudan 3-0, the same team ivory coast strugled to beat 1-0

the strength of this zambian team is team work, stamina and determination
[/QUOTE]

Nice analyses there.

Mutu Ya Chuma:

@ Adetayo100,


Don't under estimate Zambia and don't overestimate CIV. Both teams have what it takes to win it. Its going to be a very good game. Individual Talent vs Fast Pacing Style .

i am not underestimating zambian but they are no match for the ivorians

Hmmmmm guess dis is d only match ama see in dis year nations cup, all thanks to Naija for not qualifying

CIV will defeat Zambia but it will be a very tough match. Zambia will find it difficult to 'contain' CIV's highly talented and balanced squad.

I've been wowed by the zambians in this tournament. I hope they can pull one final surprise in this final.

Adetayo100,
I am not underestimating zambian but they are no match for the ivorians

That's what was being said before they played Senegal and Ghana.

To me Zambia is not a surprise.  Zambia's Style of playing is  from long time ago.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gPcgvGILqs


[youtube]4gPcgvGILqs[/youtube]

I always sensed a bit of over-confidence in both the Ghana and CIV camps coming into this tourney because of the absence of some other African footie big-wigs. . . . .Ghana has already been undone; I fervently hope the CIV suffers the same fate.
May the 'god of soccer' smile upon the KK-11 tonight and the spirit of the departed in '93 be with them as they do battle tonight.
C'mon Zambia, Africa wants a fairy-tale ending. . . . . . .you can do it!!!

WHAT TIME IS THAT MATCH STARTING C.E.T TIME, AM IN HAMBURG, GERMANY, 8.30pM IS UK TIME OR?

CIV warming up . .

/

dignitaries . . . .

see my Yaya!!!

front page

national anthem of Zambia  

National Ivory Coast

see my yaya dey sing and close hin eyes

Kalou gerrout jor

Gervy Baby!!!!!!!!

who is the ivory coast guy with dreadlocks hes cute

front page PLEEASSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


Na 9ija national anthem i dey hear o  


Somebody should warn that keyboard very well this evening , OTHERWISE  

nor worry na

min silence for the Egyptians

Its raining!! hehehe
game onnnnn

Let the game begin,

na wa zambia nor dey play

first corner

choi!!! thank You barrrry

Zambia hmmmm ok oh