The Chipolopolos target their first continental title while Black Stars aim for 5th trophy.
After having achieved their pre-tournament ambition at the Africa Cup of Nations by progressing to Wednesday’s semi-final stage, Zambia has set a new target for a side that was vastly underrated. The Chipolopolos are now keen on making it to the final in honour of those members of the national team who died off the coast of Gabon in 1993 when they challenge pre-tournament favourites, Ghana in the first semi-final match tomorrow in Bata. "We have another target; to reach Gabon on 12 February for the circumstances we know, the catastrophe of 1993," the coach said to Fifa.com.
Zambia clinched the semi-final berth by a resounding 3-0 win over Sudan in Saturday’s quarter-final in Bata which propelled them into the final four of the tournament, reviving their reputation among the continent’s elite. Zambia also beat Senegal and surprising co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Group A, with their only slip so far being a 2-2 draw with Libya. For coach, Hervé Renard, a first semi-final since 1996 is no surprise, given the experience of his side, who he says has been largely overlooked before and during the tournament.
On paper, Ghana has the advantage having won the nations cup four times in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 but will however be thirsty for victory to end the 30 years draught. Whereas Zambia has never rose to the top of the firmament in Africa and are in their first semi-finals in 16 years. Tournament co-favourites Ghana beat Tunisia 2-1 after extra time to book a semi-final spot. They finished first in group D with seven points after edging Botswana 1-0 in their opening encounter and beating Mali 2-0, they pulled a one-all draw Guinea.
The other semi-final match will pit co-favourites Cote d’Ivoire who have recorded an unbeaten run in the tournament against Mali. Football lovers therefore predict a dream final between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire as they are only major contenders still in competition.
