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2012 AFCON Zambia vs Cote d’Ivoire final: Stop calling the Elephants favorites
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.
Ghana vs Mali: Black Stars pressured to win bronze and cool down ungrateful fans
The road to reach the Last 4 for the teams involved has been long. Mali will be content with a third-place finish considering the caliber of their opponents in each knock-out fixture. Ousting Aubameyang’s Gabon on penalties against the odds was a remarkable achievement to do in the quarter-finals. Falling to Cote d’Ivoire on a 1-0 score line in the semi-finals was heartbreaking but not humiliating. The Elephants are arguably Africa’s team to beat currently so it would have required fire from heaven to destroy them and put Mali into the final.
In a rematch of Group D’s Ghana vs Mali encounter, the Eagles will strive for revenge. They have a genuine chance of punishing the Black Stars. Confusion and pressure has put pre-tournament favorites Ghana in an awkward position ahead of Saturday’s third-place final battle.
2012 AFCON semis kick off with Ghana vs Cote d’Ivoire final in prospect
A quick recap of what happened in the 2012 AFCON's Last 8
The lineup for the semi-final stage at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is mouthwatering. Mali earned a spot in the semis after a dramatic penalty shootout saw them oust co-hosts Gabon in the quarter-finals.
Cote d’Ivoire also kicked out co-hosts Equatorial Guinea. The Elephants’ victory was straightforward, though: two powerful goals from Didier Drogba and an outrageous free-kick by Yaya Toure did the trick.
Like Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia recorded a 3-0 win in the quarter-finals. Christopher Katongo was the star man as the Chipolopolo dismantled the brave Sudanese.
Ghana joined Zambia in the semis thanks to a hard-fought triumph over Tunisia. Dede Ayew scored the winning goal in extra-time to force the Tunisians to a 2-1 defeat.
Re-live the quarter-finals matches through video highlights from our 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures and Results page.
Ghana, Gabon & Cote d’Ivoire’s presence electrifies 2012 AFCON quarter-finals
Zambia vs Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire vs Equatorial Guinea, Gabon vs Mali and Ghana vs Tunisia complete the quarter-final phase’s fixtures list. The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations doesn’t need the weight of continental giants Nigeria, Egypt and Cameroon to be fantastic!
So-called minnows like co-hosts Equatorial Guinea have performed against the odds to give the tournament a special electrifying touch. Sudan have also provided a shock by reaching the quarter-final stage at the expense of Angola. Meanwhile, Seydou Keita’s Mali had to wait until the very last minute to know their fate.
Ghana haven’t hit top form yet and this is why curiosity comes in. How will the Black Stars fare in the knock-out stage against the struggling Tunisians? Do the Ghanaians possess enough fire in their belly to reach the final at the expectations of the public?
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Watch out for more live action on Matchday 2
Followers of the competition got served with 8 great matches on Matchday 1. Equatorial Guinea opened the show in great fashion. They recorded a vital 1-0 victory against Libya thanks to a late goal from Balboa.
Zambia sealed the wonderful night with a 2-1 triumph over Senegal. The Chipolopolo will have the chance to step closer to qualification at the Estadio de Bata.
Libya vs Zambia will open Matchday 2 of the 2012 AFCON. Equatorial Guinea vs Senegal will provide thrills as the co-hosts would want to test their power against the Teranga Lions. If the Senegalese don’t improve from their poor form against the Zambians, Equatorial Guinea may clinch their second victory on the trot.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group A
Key match-ups
Equatorial Guinea vs Libya
This game will not really be interesting because of the public’s expectations. But still, it is expected to get a lot of attention, as it will be the opening match. Of course, anything special from these teams during the course of the encounter can cause spectators to get attached to them and give them more support in their subsequent challenges.
Senegal vs Zambia
Just after the opening match, Senegal and Zambia lock horns. These two countries are expected to lead Group A, and so the score line of this game is likely to be key in determining the outcome of both the Lions of Teranga and the Chipolopolo in the table. A bad result for either side could give more hope to Equatorial Guinea and Libya.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group B
Key match-up
Ivory Coast vs Angola
With Sudan and Burkina Faso not having much to offer, this is the only match-up one can await with impatience. While Ivory Coast have proved that they can be very deadly in attack, Angola can also pride themselves with their unique way of protecting their goal line. It will be Group B’s last game, and with both countries presented with good opportunities to reach the quarter-finals, it is understandable that a draw will surely not do any good to either sides.
Favourites to qualify
Ivory Coast’s strength on paper is just too evident for anyone not to consider them as Group B favourites. With players such as CAF player of the Year Yaya Toure, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Arsenal playmaker Gervinho, the Ivorians will have no excuse available if ever they fail to top their table. Angola’s side is also very powerful defensively, and their sharp attack is anticipated to be the key that will unlock the door to Group B’s second place.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group C
Key match-ups
Niger vs Tunisia
Niger are not a country to overlook. They went from underdogs to surprise package in the qualifiers, stunning South Africa and Egypt along the way. At the same time, Tunisia are expected to gather their forces and impose themselves in Group C. It will be a matter of confidence for one side, and experience for the other.
Gabon vs Tunisia
As hosts, Gabon will have no right to allow themselves to lose any point. But Tunisia are not an easy side, and memories of the two teams’ meeting in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations could make this very game somehow more exciting. Having gone through a goalless draw two years ago, both the Panthers and the Eagles of Carthage will want to achieve something more concrete this time around.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group D
Key match-ups
Ghana vs Botswana
With their attainments in the last few years, Ghana’s young side have proved that they are not a side to underestimate. It will be interesting to see them battling Botswana, who are just making their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. But that surely does not mean that they are simply minnows. An impressive qualification run that saw them top Group K is just enough to send the Black Stars a strong warning.
Ghana vs Guinea
The two countries met in the opening match of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, when Ghana were then hosting the tournament. A 2-1 victory for the Black Stars threw the Guineans on the back foot after Day 1, but the story is likely to be different this time around. “Revenge” is not necessarily the keyword in this game; but in any case, the National Elephants have a realistic idea of how dangerous the Ghanaians can be. Thus, we could be in for a game of strategy and techniques.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Zambia’s AFCON history
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The Chipolopolo are very familiar with Nations Cup football. CAN 2012 will mark their 15th appearance in the finals. Herve Renard possesses a healthy blend of young and old players. In his second stint at the head of Zambia’s national team, how inspiring will the Frenchman be?
Zambia’s Copper Bullets
Zambia have never tasted glory in the championship and they can count a total of three third-place triumphs and two sets of silver medals. The Copper Bullets have a number of memories to cherish. One of those comes from their 1982 AFCON campaign in Libya. The Zambians survived against the likes of Zimbabwe and Morocco in the qualifying stages to reach the final tournament.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Tunisia’s AFCON history
Will Sami Trabelsi enjoy success after seeing his team struggle to reach Gabon-Equatorial Guinea as runners-up behind surprise-package Botswana? Tunisia are among the few giants present at the 2012 AFCON. We take a look at the history in the Nations Cup.
Tunisia’s history in brief
At a number of occasions, Tunisia went very close to achieving their dream of conquering Africa. They finished third in 1962 and clinched silver medals twice; in 1965 and in 1996. But CAN 2004 produced Tunisia’s best memory in the history of the Nations Cup.
It was a host and win situation for the Eagles of Carthage. After successfully avoiding defeat against Guinea, Rwanda and Congo DR in the group stages, the Tunisians faced Senegal in the quarterfinals.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Sudan’s AFCON history
Gone are the days when Sudan were among world football’s top 40 teams. The Falcons of Jediane are currently in 113th position. Coach Mohamed Abdalla will lead the team during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and in Equatorial Guinea.
Sudan's bright past
Sudan hlosted the first edition of the Nations Cup in 1957. However, they had no success as they lost 2-1 in the semi-finals to eventual champions Egypt. Two years later, the Falcons of Jediane had the opportunity to participate in the tournament again. They finished second behind the United Arab Republic.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Senegal’s AFCON history
The Lions of Teranga (Les Lions de la Teranga in French) are potentially dangerous. They are among the world’s top 50 nations and 6th in Africa. They are coached by Amara Traore and captained by veteran striker Mamadou Niang. The book of the Senegalese national team’s AFCON adventures is eventful and full of historic moments. You just can’t disregard Senegal’s importance in the history of African football.
A colorful history
Senegal’s first taste of the Nations Cup was in 1965 when they finished fourth behind Ivory Coast. Their next best shot at the competition was in 1992 and in 1994 when they reached the quarterfinals.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Niger’s AFCON history
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Coach Harouna Doula Gabde and his men, nicknamed the Menas, have been tipped to rock the stage at the 2012 AFCON with their spirit of underdogs. Let’s see how good the 97th ranked nation could turn out to perform at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Niger – no Cup of Nations experience
Niger’s current generation of national team players is privileged. With hard work, the Menas have managed to make a blur dream come to life. When the draw for the 2012 AFCON qualifiers was revealed, no one really thought about Niger as potential finalists.
Pundits based their analysis around South Africa and Egypt’s chances in Group G as Sierra Leone and Niger were tipped to fail. However, the Menas proved everyone wrong. Despite commencing the campaign with a 2-0 loss in the hands of Bafana Bafana, Niger found themselves with 3 points in the bag at the end of Matchday 2. They stunned reigning African champions Egypt 1-0 to achieve this feat.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Morocco’s AFCON history
The Moroccans are referred to as the Lions of the Atlas. They are ranked 61st in the world according to FIFA. The national team is currently managed by Eric Gerets—once PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray and Olympique Marseille coach. 29-year-old Serie A midfielder, Houssine Kharja, acts as the team’s captain.
In this profile, you will understand why the Moroccans should not only consider themselves as one of Northern Africa’s best footballing country but also as one of the entire continent’s most dangerous side. Let’s look back at Morocco’s AFCON history!
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Mali’s 2012 AFCON history
They are called the Eagles (les Aigles in French). They are led by the experience of ex-Olympic Lyonnais and Real Madrid star Mahamadou Diarra and their coach is former Toulouse, PSG and Gabon manager Alain Giresse. The Eagles are 67th in the world and 15th in Africa. What should the Malians expect of their...
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Libya’s AFCON history
Can Marcos Paqueta inspire the Mediterranean Knights to something positive this month?
Libya’s best memory dates from 1982
Despite joining CAF as a member in 1965, Libya’s national team has tasted Nations Cup football only a few times. The 1982 African Cup of Nations marks, until now, the country’s greatest accomplishment on the continent.
Having qualified as hosts of the tournament, the Mediterranean Knights had the honour to compete against the likes of African powerhouses Ghana, Tunisia and Cameroon. The Libyans claimed strong results.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations teams profiles: Focus on Ivory Coast’s AFCON history
Cote d’Ivoire enter Africa’s festive football period, the Cup of Nations, as the continent’s highest-ranked country in the FIFA Rankings. The West African giants, nicknamed “Les Elephants”, are 16th above Switzerland and behind France.
The Ivoirians comfortably seat (with 151 points) above rivals and second-placed Ghana in the CAF section of the world’s chart. Will they, under the guidance of coach Francois Zahoui and captain Didier Drogba, make their authority count at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations?
The Elephants – Big size, big worries
Ivory Coast don’t have much to boast about in terms of Nations Cup history. Their only triumph dates from 1992. They qualified from their group above Congo and Algeria to reach the quarterfinals. At that stage, they met the Zambians whom they narrowly edged after extra time.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Guinea’s AFCON history
They are 18th in Africa and 80th overall according to the FIFA Rankings, they are not considered as one of the continent’s main forces and they don’t even have World Cup memories to boast about. However, the National Elephants have a bigger Nations Cup history than many may recall. In this recap, we bring to mind the various highlights and lowlights of the Guinean national team—controlled by the Fédération Guinéenne de Football and currently managed by Michel Dussuyer.
Guinea’s eventful past
Let’s go way back to the year 1970. That’s when the National Elephants finally experienced African up of Nations football. Seven years before, they got disqualified from Ghana 1963 for failing to provide neutral officials in the second leg of their 3-2 aggregate tie against Nigeria in the qualifiers.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Ghana’s AFCON history
Ghana, who are currently 29th in the world according to FIFA, will play at the 2012 AFCON under the management of Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic. John Mensah is the team’s appointed captain. The Black Stars operate under the control of the Ghana Football Association.
Bring back the glorious days
It’s scintillating like gold and old, but it is now experiencing revival. This is what Ghana’s AFCON history looks like. At their very first attempt in the Nations Cup, which dates from 1963, the Black Stars clinched glory. The acclaimed leadership of coach Charles Kumi Gyamfi helped the team defend their title in 1965.