The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations perhaps represents the last chance to win gold for several Cote d’Ivoire players. Can Zambia’s Chipolopolo spoil the Elephants’ party?
They are fresh from defeating fourth-placed Ghana in the semi-finals. Before the start of the competition, the Zambians had not been tipped to go that far. However, with unity and skill, they’ve made this a reality.
The Chipolopolo are now one match away from lifting the prestigious AFCON trophy for the first time ever in the nation's football history. Zambia’s current team wants to make justice to the 1993 crash victims. How far will their aspiration take them in Libreville on Sunday night?
The Elephants, likewise, are burning with desire to reward their population with gold. Cote d’Ivoire edged past Mali in the semis thanks to a lone goal by Arsenal forward Gervinho.
The final could be another tight affair but with the presence of Didier Drogba upfront, everything is possible. Zambia could face reality at last through a straight-forward defeat and this is something that Herve Renard wants to avoid.
Renard is anticipating a difficult challenge from pre-tournament favorites Cote d’Ivoire. Speaking at the press conference this week, the French manager was quoted as saying:
“I don’t think Cote d'Ivoire will underrate Zambia. They have respect for us and we also have a lot of respect for them but we want to beat them.
“We will be in a tough game. It will be tough game, like the game against Ghana.”
Cote d’Ivoire have nothing to fear against Zambia on paper. However, they can’t afford to feel overconfident against a side led by strong warriors like Christopher Katongo and Mayuka.
Goalkeeper Barry, who is on the verge of creating a famous clean sheet record throughout the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, couldn’t explain it better. Goal.com quoted him as saying:
“The Chipolopolo are very dangerous, but we’ll try to maintain our usual attitude of humility and respect for our adversaries. They got here because they are strong so it’s going to be a tough game like you should expect, so stop calling us favorites for the final.”
Where will the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations land?
The Chipolopolo are now one match away from lifting the prestigious AFCON trophy for the first time ever in the nation's football history. Zambia’s current team wants to make justice to the 1993 crash victims. How far will their aspiration take them in Libreville on Sunday night?
The Elephants, likewise, are burning with desire to reward their population with gold. Cote d’Ivoire edged past Mali in the semis thanks to a lone goal by Arsenal forward Gervinho.
The final could be another tight affair but with the presence of Didier Drogba upfront, everything is possible. Zambia could face reality at last through a straight-forward defeat and this is something that Herve Renard wants to avoid.
Renard is anticipating a difficult challenge from pre-tournament favorites Cote d’Ivoire. Speaking at the press conference this week, the French manager was quoted as saying:
“I don’t think Cote d'Ivoire will underrate Zambia. They have respect for us and we also have a lot of respect for them but we want to beat them.
“We will be in a tough game. It will be tough game, like the game against Ghana.”
Cote d’Ivoire have nothing to fear against Zambia on paper. However, they can’t afford to feel overconfident against a side led by strong warriors like Christopher Katongo and Mayuka.
Goalkeeper Barry, who is on the verge of creating a famous clean sheet record throughout the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, couldn’t explain it better. Goal.com quoted him as saying:
“The Chipolopolo are very dangerous, but we’ll try to maintain our usual attitude of humility and respect for our adversaries. They got here because they are strong so it’s going to be a tough game like you should expect, so stop calling us favorites for the final.”
Where will the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations land?
