HOME > AFCON 2012 > NEWS > CHIPOLOPOLO MARCH INTO AFCON FINAL

Zambia oust trophy favourites Ghana

Chipolopolo march into Afcon final

Posted: 2012-02-08 20:19

An 80th minute strike from Emmanuel Mayuka was enough for Zambia to oust trophy favourites Ghana at the Bata Stadium and send the Chipolopolo to their first Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final in close to two decades.

The match got underway with Herve Renard’s men looking quicker on the ball after having benefitted from one more day’s rest than their Ghanaian opponents who needed an extra time session to oust Tunisia on Monday.

Zambia’s superiority didn’t last long though as the Black Stars reacted to Isaac Chansa’s distant strike with a flurry of attacks that culminated in a penalty kick being awarded to them when Kwadwo Asamoah was taken down by Davies Nkausu in the 7th minute.

With the Black Stars poised to take an early lead, Kennedy Mweene produced a diving save to deny Asamoah Gyan’s unconvincing effort and keep the game scoreless and reinvigorate his teammates. Nevertheless, Ghana continued to take the initiative to make up for their missed opportunity.

Jordan Ayew was in particularly fine form for the Ghanaians who asserted a higher attacking rhythm in the first half than they’ve exhibited throughout the entire tournament. Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo were content to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks, one of which was close to perfection.

After some excellent work from James Chamanga, Christopher Katongo missed with Adam Kwarasey at his mercy. Katongo’s well-timed run exposed the organised Black Stars defence for the first time and hinted at the southern Africans intentions. The last clear chance of the half fell to Asamoah whose shot from just outside the penalty area was deflected out for a corner.

The younger Ayew continued shining in the second period, creating an early chance for himself on 49 minutes that Mweene had no problem dealing with. Shortly thereafter, John Boye missed the frame despite being well positioned to give his side the lead while Gyan was once again denied by the Zambian goalkeeper.

Despite all the Black Stars’ pressure, they were made to pay for their wastefulness when Zambia took the lead in the 80th minute thanks to a wonderful curled effort from substitute Emmanuel Mayuka.

The opener set off a frenetic final 10 minutes in which Goran Stevanovic’s men pushed for an equaliser but had their chances dented by Derek Boateng being sent off.

Isaac Vorsah had a final chance for the west Africans but failed to convert and Zambia held on to reach their first Africa Cup of Nations final since the 1994 edition.

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glenzitto : 2012-02-08 20:24

make Zambia proud boys shame on pitso n safa

Mamoduwe : 2012-02-08 20:28

Congrats to the hard-running Chipolopolo, my Yellow Fellow @Sweyts predicted this team for semi-finals, and now they are in the finals WOW! Zambia for AFCON since Tunasia is out.








Yellow I Was, Yellow I Am & Yellow I Will Remain! [SMILING:-)]

Detmolder: 2012-02-08 20:28

Pitso you owe Zambia an apology after saying they were below average a month ago.....where is Bafana Pitso?

Ganyisto : 2012-02-08 20:30

Halala! Chipolopolo

Tzozo : 2012-02-08 20:37

Well done Zambia for reaching the finals. But truth be told you played kak. You didn,t deserve 2 win that match. U hardly put 4 passes 2getha. Ghana were just unlucky. But futbal is about goals so Ghana only have themselves to blame.

Sechaba Sandawana : 2012-02-08 20:38

It aint zambia fault that pitso failed to qualify bafanabafana, chipolopolo shapa, 8 players from psl nogal, so pitso u must start choosing diserving players to our beloved bafanabafana

Sweyts : 2012-02-08 20:41

One Chipolopolo in the head, "ZIGITHI" down! !!!

Mamoduwe Dawana lam'! I'm proudly Southern African above all tonight!
Hail the fallen heroes of Zambian football who's deaths in Gabon were clearly not in vain......May their souls rest in peace.

Regardless of the result in the final, the class of Chansa, Mweene, Katongo, Kalaba, Mayuka and Co. have done it! Hail amaZambane bafethu! Tjovitjoooooo!

Zakumi.com : 2012-02-08 20:42

Holla Chiefpolopolo holla!! Everythink that associate Nike is a winner!! Baghana Baghana ag shame on you Gyan Mphela is always a loser

Maniac : 2012-02-08 20:45

yah neh ! Muti works in soccer. I agree with Tzozo Zambia playd rubish and won. hard luck Ghana.

SIMON TSHUMA : 2012-02-08 20:56

WHAT A WONDERFUL WIN FOR CHIPOLOPOLO. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN SOME TEAMS WERE AIDED BY REFEREES TO WIN. WELL DONE ZAMBIA

Sweyts : 2012-02-08 20:58

Brazilitto, where are you my Yellow buddy? Uyawabona enzani amaZambane kaw'?
They played a highly tactical game against a fierce opponent and tournament favourites in Ghana, which of course the likes of T'zozo are bound to find boring cause it involves thinking. mh.

The Chipolopolo has done what a SADEC country last did in '96 with home ground advantage.
Once again, there was way too much sentiment attached to this sojourn for them, and they reached the destination having outscored everybody, what more would anyone ask for then?

Hail Chipolopolo!

msp : 2012-02-08 21:11

Zambia,total football!please bring the cup to sadac,

Motlokoa  : 2012-02-08 21:15

To those lunatics who think tht Zambia played bad but stil won,Chifis does tht all the time so there is nothing new here.

Weldone boys Southern Africa is proud of u except chips hobos.

Tsipa Zambia Tsipa

Porgy : 2012-02-08 21:16

Scoring goals is all that wins games,so as for ghana they played well but ddnt score & chipolopolo stole it from them.so big ups to zambia.....

Tolly.ba.Thathe : 2012-02-08 21:22

When you believe in yourself trust develops and ultimately we talk of confidence which translates into positive results. All these together relates to what Zambia is in Gabon-Equitorial Guinea.

Many people including the pundits easily gave it to the Ghananians and if you were to ask them the basis of their choice (if it was a choice) they were going to unanimously tell you "the big match temperament players, big name players, etc"...forgetting that those alone cannot win one success. They need to be coupled with, amongst others, team work, determination, dedication and hunger to win.

I guess now many people saw why Zambia poses a tremendous threat to whoever they will meet in the finals...just sending the message that if you undermine them you will be left with an egg on your face.

brazilitto : 2012-02-08 21:35

@sweyts dawane amazambane are doing it for umzatsi as southern. Mazambane dis is your opportunity and I am really proud of that team.
I honestly c them winning this cup now. Kodwa ngemali yami eyahamba ney'gora odemba demba

Mukai: 2012-02-08 21:38

Well done Zambia. I am not Zambian but share your joy and am one of the Southern Africans to wish you success in the final.

This is partly due the skills, composure, focus and unity you have displayed throughout the tournament and for being exemplary ambassadors for your country and the region and also partly in memory of the talent which perished in that awful accident in whose honour you have played your hearts out. You are very deserving finalists

Lindoh : 2012-02-08 21:41

Zambia had a very tactical aproach 2day coz dey knw Ghana would cum 2 dem ghun's blazing only 2 catch dem on a counter and it worked 4 dem.Dat Mayuka guy is marvel 2 watch, mweene is da 2nd best GK in Africa afta El hadari of egypt.. Cum sunday nyt we'l witnes da crown of da new African Kings. Congratulations and Gudluk on Sunday!!!

Fhatu : 2012-02-08 21:44

I'm surprised Pitso always there are no strikers or players meanwhile most of Zambian players play in SA and still be competent. You are simply stupid, Pitso!

fire: 2012-02-08 21:46

Chipolopolo is the pride of Sadec. I had my presenter mention it on air, that the copper bullets are in the final, on a business channel, nogal! Eish the bosses.

The spirit of the fallen heroes is with the lads from Southern Africa. I am convinced Kalushya did shed a tear, thinking of his teammates, the copper bullets who died in an air crash. As president, he has done something right. Those boys are tactical and outscore every oppnent.

Bring it home to Lusaka, bring it home to SADEC!

Downs' till my soul touches the sky!

TP : 2012-02-08 21:49

Kickoff!U 4got to mention that Emmanuel Mayuka is only 21 yrs,turning 22 in november.

Once again this shows that football in South Africa needs 10 yrs to be at the level where those who hate Pitso want it.

Unless South Africa has a rare special talent of getting 11 late developers & their substitutes,no coach will change the present squad.

We must start with 10-12 year olds & after 10 yrs u can crucify the then coach.

Emmanuel Mayuka is playing in a Swiss league & he has been there for a while.

As long as some feel playing @ home is good & not releasing players for juniors 4get it.

mhlonitjhwa : 2012-02-08 21:51

Congragulations Zambia, infac u were supposed to be on the losing side bt because u were having a winner by the name of Issac Chansa in your line- up thats what exctly transpired, so go on and bring it home.

brazilitto : 2012-02-08 22:00

Oh god here we go again. Before it was only in prisoners now At funerals, weddings, hospitaals, sheebens tavern special people schools, hawu yonke indawo yiPirates pirates hhayi man hawu!!!

Mzweja : 2012-02-08 22:06

To Ghana the histroy has repeat itselfs. Shapa Chipolopolo Shapa!!!

Phemela  : 2012-02-08 22:08

May i take dis opportunity 2 welcome Zambia as one of the giants of africa, replacing a dead wood called Bafunny. Well done Chipolopolo, u showed dat money cant buy passion 4 football.

meg7113: 2012-02-08 22:26

All haters of Zambia, your predictions of jealousy is now under the carpet. We are in the finals against the fancied 'superstars'. Thanks to all our friends across Africa especially Southern region. We have done it together.
Zambia has won and again instead of being happy you claim we played badly! I heard you say the same thing about Ghana few days ago!! Listen hypocrites and haters of Zambia, this cup is coming to this region and wont be grabbed easily. If muti makes nations to win RSA could have won all Africa cups. You guys believe so much in that stuff.

brazilitto : 2012-02-08 22:36

Capello the england manager has resign. I just can't wait for omunye umbhesti aphose ithawula.

Mambwe : 2012-02-08 23:08

Ok let's face guys were called under dogs by almost every gim and jack unfortunately you didn't realise the sword we've been carrying! Thanks to all Southern African countries for the great support and we ensure the Trophy stay in the Southern African Region! Wow the copper bullets you have done it again, DON'T KUBEBA!!!

The Ghost: 2012-02-09 00:29

@ setlaela se bareng tzozzo sa ko Botswana. Stop hating marete a hao, if you have nothing to say just shut up. Anyway big ups to Chipolopolo.

KidKudu7: 2012-02-09 05:02

Aluta, aluta Zambia...you deserve to be in the CAN final, unlike other teams who are always eliminated in the first round of the tournament by minnows, like Baroka FC.

Pheya : 2012-02-09 05:52

Isaac "The real ntho tse monate" Chansa brought the spirit of final from his club to national team. Wish u all the best Proffesor!

Authentic: 2012-02-09 06:06

Well done to the Copper Bullets, we are SO proud of you!! I wish you all the best in the final!! From Kalusha Bwyalya and the administrators--to the coach that left and returned again--to the players. With a sincere heart, i say: CONGRATULATIONS!

SABELO : 2012-02-09 06:33

Congrats to u chipolo's, this shows that u don't need all the moola in the universe to be succesful n you also don't need Europen base stars to conquer, you just have to be clever, I hope Pitso & Safa have learned something frm Zafa.

msp : 2012-02-09 06:52

Pitso must go he thinks that national team is club,he is separating our players by saying A team and B team>>be a proud south african and resign:if khoza was a safa president :he was going to fire you,

Futbal fan: 2012-02-09 07:31

Some of us think street football is what matters, I back to differ, results oriented play is the way to go. I said it before that Zambia plays as a team wheas other teams have stars who are always poised to show their individual class, even if that is to the detriment of their teams. I strongly understand the type of style played by Zambia, if well perfected you are assured of wins. One team within SADC uses the same style of football, if Pitso has not realised that I bet we shall never see Brazil.
Please cut and save this last quotation somewhere, u'll review it when the time comes.
Big ups to chipolopolo, I still put my money on these guys to bring that trophy down south!!!!

Futbal fan: 2012-02-09 07:31

Some of us think street football is what matters, I back to differ, results oriented play is the way to go. I said it before that Zambia plays as a team wheas other teams have stars who are always poised to show their individual class, even if that is to the detriment of their teams. I strongly understand the type of style played by Zambia, if well perfected you are assured of wins. One team within SADC uses the same style of football, if Pitso has not realised that I bet we shall never see Brazil.
Please cut and save this last quotation somewhere, u'll review it when the time comes.
Big ups to chipolopolo, I still put my money on these guys to bring that trophy down south!!!!

Futbal fan: 2012-02-09 07:31

Some of us think street football is what matters, I back to differ, results oriented play is the way to go. I said it before that Zambia plays as a team wheas other teams have stars who are always poised to show their individual class, even if that is to the detriment of their teams. I strongly understand the type of style played by Zambia, if well perfected you are assured of wins. One team within SADC uses the same style of football, if Pitso has not realised that I bet we shall never see Brazil.
Please cut and save this last quotation somewhere, u'll review it when the time comes.
Big ups to chipolopolo, I still put my money on these guys to bring that trophy down south!!!!

Hangwanie: 2012-02-09 07:33

Nice display Zambia. Feel pity for Ghana as they were my favorites. Ghana coach made a mistake by substituting Gyan. I saw Ghana and Ivory Coast in the final but it is no longer like that.

LESEGO: 2012-02-09 08:07

LESEGO: 2012-02-07 14:17


Zambia look threatening, Ghana have not been convincing so far, it's gonna go down to the wire but my moola is on Chipolopolo!!!!!!!!
======================================================================
Am glad my prediction yesterday came to pass, now anything is possible for the Chipolopolo team against their much fancied oppenents, this is football, i for one, wouldn't bet against Zambia to upset the applecart!!!!!!

Undisputed Double-Trebble Champ Mopheme: 2012-02-09 08:43

Chipolopoloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo..!
Mayuuuuuukkaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..!!
Chansaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..!!

rmajara: 2012-02-09 08:46

Finish up Chipolopolo boyz the trophy is already in your hands.

Undisputed Double-Trebble Champ Mopheme: 2012-02-09 08:57

The secret for Zambia is to have Isaac Chansa in their team. The guy is a lucky charm, a winner of note. The "Real Ntho tse Monate". Shapa Chipolopolo Shapaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..!!

Eight: 2012-02-09 09:02

Zambia in de Finale,

haaaaaaa ke "Ntho tse monate"

Swona Champ!: 2012-02-09 09:04

SAFA must fire Pitso, guys how many goals were scored by strikers on this tournament? he's taking us for a ride claiming we dont have strikers, thats an excuse!

Ben: 2012-02-09 09:30

Zambians play phsycological football.Each game depends on the opponent to be faced.Truthly instructions were that Ghana would be attacking throughout and just when they dose off, surprise and hit them hard.That is exactly what happened yesterday.Iyeee chipolopolo, iyeee chipolopolo

Jam Jam: 2012-02-09 10:34

Pheya : 2012-02-09 05:52
Isaac "The real ntho tse monate" Chansa brought the spirit of final from his club to national team. Wish u all the best Proffesor!

=====================================================================
Undisputed Reigning Champ Mopheme (( All Trophies )):

The secret for Zambia is to have Isaac Chansa in their team. The guy is a lucky charm, a winner of note. The "Real Ntho tse Monate". Shapa Chipolopolo Shapaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..!!

=====================================================================

I wish Isaac Chansa's lucky charm can work for Bucs to win Africa Clubs Champions league.
Dane Klate's winning charm has done it in the local domestic cups

Botswanian4life: 2012-02-09 10:37

Ghana dis Ghana dat...shapa chipolopolo shaapaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

@least will have watch the best AFCON final cum 12/02/12.Southern Africa is behind u guys bring dat trophy down south

krain: 2012-02-09 11:26

there is no juju in futbol. iT'S 90% skill, 10% luck. Zambia played tactifully, scored wen it mattered most- WELL DONE CHIPOLOPOLO

Salazani: 2012-02-09 11:34

Thank you all, I am a proud Zambia and indeed Southerner! Our boys are not scared of big names, they will meet them as they come.

By the way, something is not being mentioned, five of those players play for TP Mazembe, an Congolese team that has dominated Africa and made seriuos ripples at the club world cup. You may not like it, TP Mazembe are a great team and they have a winning mentality. They have faced the best clubs in the world and cameup with decent results. When you see Kalaba, Sunzu, Himoonde, these guys have beaten the dreaded Arabs , West Africans in their home grounds. They have played agianst a full bacelona squad and lost decently. They have beaten Asian aand American Champions, in short, they have a winning Mentality.

Besides, while everybody (including South Africans) seems to talk ill of the South African league, I feel its a better organised league than some of the leagues in Europe, which most of these West Africans play for!!!!!!!!!!

krain: 2012-02-09 12:00

big words from big brains, Salazani: u're my man.
problem is most pipo here 're using their hearts to think instead of their brains, they dont watch futbo. Very gud ****ytical comment ma bro

Equinox: 2012-02-09 13:11

congrats to the hard

Equinox: 2012-02-09 13:53

congrats to the hard working Zambia. Shapa chipolopolo shapaaa!!!
This one is for those greats who died on a plane crash. Do us proud and bring it to sadc guys, all southern africa is behind you.
Interesting stats here; Ivorians are yet to concede a goal in this tournament and they would like to win it without conceding any to make history.
But Zambia with all their guns firing from all angles and coming to the final for the fist time since 1994 they wont be walk over.So we r waitn to see who will break that Ivorian defence. BUt I can see Katongo spinning here and dancing bringing the trophy home.
Equinox Gabs

Kabz: 2012-02-09 16:19

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