Although Zambia are undoubtedly the popular choice to lift their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations trophy on Sunday against Ivory Coast, they will have their work cut out for them.
Ivory Coast will go into Sunday’s final in Libreville’s Stade de l’Amitie as overwhelming favourites, but then Ghana were also favoured to beat Zambia in their semi-final, and they failed.
For Zambia, the final is of special significance as it takes place in the same city where 18 members of the national team perished 19 years ago, when their plane crashed into the sea 500 metres from the coast.
Kalusha Bwalya, who was captain of the national team at the time but was not on the flight, having made his own travelling arrangements from the Netherlands, where he was playing for PSV Eindhoven, said that the entire Zambian delegation felt connected to the past.
“It is a big surprise to come to Libreville as a finalist. Nobody gave us a chance to make the final, but fate has been good to us. The fallen heroes dreamed about the final. We are now dreaming to bring glory to our country,” said Bwalya, who is now president of Zambia’s football association.
“I hope we can finish it the way we have been playing it in previous matches. It will be important for us. I hope the players will rise to the occasion.”
French coach Herve Renard’s squad features mainly African-based players, with captain Christopher Katongo, who plays in China for Henan Construction, being the man for goals upfront. Whether Katongo and his striking partners find a way through the Elephants’ defence remains to be seen.
The last man to score against the Ivorians was South Africa’s Katlego Mphela, who equalised for his side in their 1-1 draw in November. Since then, the side has played seven matches without conceding a goal.
But it is not only the back that coach Francois Zahoui can depend upon, as his forward line is the envy of most other coaches at the competition.
Salomon Kalou, Gervinho and Didier Drogba all play their club football at the highest level in England. Add the Kolo brothers Yaya and Toure to the mix, and it is clear why the Elephants are clear favourites.
They are looking to lift their second trophy after 1992 – when they won the competition without conceding a goal in their five matches.
Chelsea striker Kalou says that they will not underestimate the Zambians: “They are a really good team, and it’s going to be a very tough game.”
Zahoui said that while he understands the emotions behind the game for Zambia, his side faces a similar situation, after bloody conflict to remove a president who refused to leave office.
“Our country has been going through a troubled time, and football can help to heal the wounds,” Zahoui said. “If we can bring home the trophy to Ivory Coast, it will mean so much to the people of our country. We are determined to bring happiness back to them.”
The organisers of the competition announced Thursday that kick-off for the final had been shifted by 30 minutes and will now start at 1930 GMT for “logistical and technical” reasons, without giving details.
