Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys have booked their ticket to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 1-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola on Friday night.
The Chipolopolo Boys made their intentions known from the first whistle as they dominated play with five shots on goal and forcing Yahia Fofana to make four saves.
However, the decisive moment came in the 43rd minute when Kings Kangwa launched an attack to set up Joseph Sabobo Banda who sweetly cheated a shot and cut in to Kennedy Musonda to finish with his signature left-foot shot inside the 18 box.
The first half ended with Zambia in the lead and at the resumption of the second stanza, skipper of the day Kelvin Kampamba could not continue due to injury.
The Ivorians had their moments in the match but to no avail with Zambia coming close again when Kangwa set up Clatous Chama who missed from close range with only the goalkeeper to beat.
With only additional minutes remaining to play, the Elephants scored through Bayo Vakoun but the goal was ruled offside by the second assistant referee.
Following the win, Zambia has now qualified for second time in a row with a game to spare on Tuesday against Sierra Leone.
Avram Grant described the victory as the sweetest in his 51 years coaching career.
“After 51 years of coaching, this is the best victory ever. Beating the African champions with all the difficulties we faced with our players injured, I am very happy. “
