Zambia 0(8)-0(7) Ivory Coast

Zambia win on Penalties



Zambia have been crowned football champions of the Africa Cup of Nations, 2012 for the first time after winning a dramatic penalty shootout upsetting tournament favourites Ivory Coast.

Drogba missed a crucial penalty.

The eventual victory almost had a hint of destiny as Zambia triumphed in Libresville after the National team of 1993 perished in a plane crash in Gabon. The scene of Zambia's greatest tragedy has become the scene of Zambia's greatest victory.

Stoppila Sunzu guided home the winning penalty after Gervinho missed from the spot to mark a historic win for Chipolopolo.

Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda and former Zambian player Kalusha Bwalya were present to witness current captain Chris Katongo lift the trophy at the Stade de l'Amite.

The team met and beat the favourites, Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Throughout the captain, Chris Katongo led by example to attain a well deserved victory.

Since it was started in 1957, the tournament has seen great champions that include Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa and the Republic of Congo. Zambia now joins that elite group, fulfilling the expectations the nation had in the original Chipolopolo.