After an exceptional performance against the hosts Cote D’Ivoire, the Chipolopolos of Zambia, ked by former Ghana coach Avram Grant have secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in eight years.
In a remarkable display during match-day five of the qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, the 2012 African champions dominated the game, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over the Elephants.
Zambia entered the match knowing that they needed a win to surpass Cote D’Ivoire at the top of the group and secure their spot in the tournament.
A stroke of misfortune for experienced defender Serge Aurier, who scored an own goal, combined with goals from Patson Daka of Leicester City and Klins Kangwa, sealed a convincing victory for the home team.
Currently leading Group H with 12 points, Avram Grant’s men are two points ahead of second-placed Ivory Coast with one game remaining.
Zambia’s last appearance in the senior Africa Cup of Nations was in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea, where they finished at the bottom of Group B with two points, registering draws and a defeat in the group stage.
As they prepare to return to the tournament in 2023, the Chipolopolos aim to make a strong statement, just as they did in 2012 when they surprised everyone by clinching their first-ever title with a memorable victory over the same Cote D’Ivoire in a thrilling penalty shootout.
