Chipolopolo in Afcon finals
BATA - Substitute Emmanuel Mayuka scored 12 minutes from time to give Zambia a shock 1-0 win over four-time champions Ghana here yesterday to book a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.
EYES ON THE BALL: John Boye, right, of Ghana vies for the ball with Zambia's James Chamanga during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, last night. Photo: Gallo ImagesThe goal came against the run of play with Isaac Chansa setting up the 20-year-old striker, whose shot from outside the penalty area flew past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey into the corner of the net. Zambia now go to Libreville for the final on Sunday.
It was off the Gabon coast that a plane carrying the 1993 squad plunged into the Atlantic killing all 25 players and officials on board.
It will be the third final appearance by Chipolopolo after losing to Zaire after a replay in 1974 and to Nigeria 20 years later with a team built within 12 months after the tragedy.
Midfielder Derek Boateng was sent off seven minutes from time after a second booking to leave Ghana battling on with 10 men in a tense finish as Zambia clung to the slender advantage.
Ghana made three changes from the team that edged Tunisia in a bruising last-eight clash three days ago with Lee Addy, Boateng and Jordan Ayew replacing Alhassan Masawudu, injured Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Sulley Muntari.
Addy was one of only two outfield players in the 23-man squad who had taken no part in the previous four matches, while Boateng made his first start and Ayew his second.
After making only one change in their previous four outings, Zambia coach Herve Renard dropped Chisamba Lungu and Mayuka from the side that convincingly defeated Sudan and in came Francis Kasonde and James Chamanga.
It was a familiar scene at Estadio de Bata in this port city with row after row of empty red and blue seats, and many who did turn up raced to the back rows for shelter from heavy pre-match rain.
The Black Stars of Ghana were favourites to win yesterday and the early exchanges backed that view with the four-time champions squandering a great chance to take an early lead when Asamoah Gyan failed to convert a penalty.
Gyan, whose three goals were instrumental in Ghana reaching the 2010 final, was not at his sharpest and shot timidly at goalie Keneedy Mweene soon after he was put through by Andre Ayew.
maneater
when will Ghana get rid of this Gyan, he is arrogant misses penalties and again responsible for the team loss!!!!!!!Report Abuse
asaowe
Congratulation Zambia, u played yr heart out i was impressed, may the cup come back SADC again, let kick these west african their butt.Report Abuse
Bizzabo
I said it maabane, Ghana is just average and lucky to have made it this far...they were unconvincing.Report Abuse
PHUMA_LANGA_SIKOTHE
CHIPOLOPOLOOOOOOOOOO; JO LEKE DING!!!!!!!!!!The Copper Bulllets shattered the Black Stars.......my dream team all the way to the FINALS!
MNCWAAAAAAAAAAAA.......KING KENNEDY!!!
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Dinamanama
Well done Chipolopolo,this guys under the leadership of Kalusha are hard workersReport Abuse
Mhungumbye
Emmanuel Mayuka, Isaac Chansa, Keneedy Mweene and Kotongo you did it against all odds.I heard the commentator saying Chansa is scoring crucial goals for is the biggest team in SA. Thanks commentator u are always up to date.
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Mhungumbye
Emmanuel Mayuka, Isaac Chansa, Keneedy Mweene and Kotongo you did it against all odds.I heard the commentator saying Chansa is scoring crucial goals for the biggest team in SA. Thanks commentator u are always up to date.
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imthegreatest
Zambia wanted it more than Ghana, they (Zambian players) worked very hard for it.Report Abuse
tintan
Congratulations to ChipolopoloZambia has demonstrated that once you let former players run football affairs, it bring in good result. Something which SAFA should learn and master as an matter of urgency.
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