Former Chipolopolo captain Rainford Kalaba revealed that he was concerned for his family’s safety after missing a crucial penalty in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast, which could have cost Zambia the title.
Zambia defied football logic 13 years ago, defeating an Ivory Coast side featuring Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, among others.
The victory did not come easily. After a scoreless tie in regulation and overtime, the game went to penalties. Kalaba had the opportunity to secure Zambia’s victory by converting the eighth kick after Kolo Toure missed his.
However, the master’s attempt failed, giving Ivory Coast the advantage.
At this stage, it was left to then-former Arsenal star Gervinho to beat Mweene from the spot and deny Zambia the title, but he missed.
Zambia was redeemed by Stoppila Sunzu who converted the final kick and sealed victory for Chipolopolo.
Reliving that night, Kalaba has said he feared for his family had Gervinho scored the next penalty and denied Zambia the win.
“I was just thinking about my family [after missing the penalty] many people were after my family,” he said. “I was alone thinking about the situation but when I saw Gervinho miss, I prayed to God.”
Chipolopolo needs to work on defense- Kalaba
Meanwhile, Kalaba says Chipolopolo needs to work on the frontlines ahead of their participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“We are better from behind [defense], the middle [midfield]… But we need to work on the striking force because if Patson Daka is not around, we have many problems. Kennedy Musonda is doing good, which is good and if he continues, we can make it,” he said.
Zambia is in Group A of the AfCON alongside Morocco, Mali and Comoros.
“I think this time around we have a crop of professional players who are playing for the national team; it is there time now to show where they are based and where they are coming from,” he said when he appeared on ZNBC Radio 4’s Sports Day on Wednesday. “If they come for the national team, they need to know that they are playing for the country. Playing for the national team is not a joke so you need to give more than 100 percent.”
READ MORE: Legend tells Chipolopolo to improve at AFCON
