Zambia shocked all by cruising from the group stages to the final of the African Cup of Nations and won convincingly in the final against Cote d'Ivoire on penalties.
Great footballing nations like Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria were conspicuously absent having failed to qualify for the CAN 2012. It was therefore expected that nations like Ghana , Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal with great track records will be impressive and that one of them will eventually lift the Cup. It will have been odd and even strange for anyone to have believed that Zambia will win the Cup. Indeed though a fairly great football nation she is dwarfed by the likes of Ghana, Senegal and cote d'Ivoire.
During the tournament they showed great discipline tenacity, tactical discipline and strength that saw them defeat Senegal, Ghana and Cote Ivoire and eventually lifting the Cup. The Zambian captain Christopher Kotongo as a result of his outstanding performance and leadership was promoted to warrant officer class in the army during the tournament.
Never having lifted the Cup before, 12 February 2012 was the first time time that Zambia lifted the Cup. No one can take the credit away from President of the Football Association of Zambia Kalusha Bwalya, one of the finest footballers of his day whose inspiration and leadership was tremendous. It might have been a great day for him considering that all his team mates sadly perished in a plane crash. He escaped because he was not on the plane taking them to a World Cup qualifying match. Indeed Herve Renard can not be left out for his tactical strength and winning zeal.
The souls of the departed in the plane crash will feel honoured for this great achievement by the current national team. Well done Zambia.
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