February 8 marked 13 years since Emmanuel Mayuka stepped up to the plate and scored the goal that sent Zambia to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. His moment of genius helped the Copper Bullets see off tournament favourites Ghana on their way to the title.
Mayuka’s strike was the Chipolopolo’s ninth goal at the continental showpiece and their final one from regular play. The finale between Zambia and Ivory Coast was a goalless draw decided via a penalty shootout.
BolaNews ranks the best six goals Zambia scored at the 2012 AFCON based on the quality of the goal as well as its importance.
6. Emmanuel Mayuka vs Libya
After conceding early against Libya, the Chipolopolo Boys progressed towards the opponent’s goal with Rainford Kalaba on the ball in left midfield. Hampered by a waterlogged turf, the playmaker opted to look up and spotted Mayuka creeping into the penalty box.
Kalaba then lofted the ball into the area and Mayuka expertly volleyed it into the left bottom corner with the inside of his right foot. The striker showed top-notch composure to draw parity against the Mediterranean Knights.
5. Rainford Kalaba vs Senegal
Rewinding to their opening fixture of the tournament, Zambia led Senegal 1-0 through Mayuka’s header. 20 minutes into the contest, Kalaba successfully beat the offside trap and was one-on-one with goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
After taking a touch to keep the ball out of the goalminder’s reach, the midfielder cleverly passed the ball into the net.
4. Christopher Katongo vs Libya
While most goals on this list acknowledge the brilliance of the player providing the finishing touch, this one in particular stands out for its combination play.
Stationed on the left side of the penalty box, Isaac Chansa controlled a cross with his chest before executing a sensational bicycle kick. And on hand to meet the acrobatic attempt was Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo, who headed the ball past Samir Aboud to equalize.
3. James Chamanga vs Sudan
Zambia’s biggest victory in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea came in the quarterfinals when they thumped Sudan 3-0 at the Estadio de Bata. James Chamanga notched the third goal for the Chipolopolo Boys, one fitting to be called the icing on the cake.
In the 86th minute, Francis Kasonde laid off the ball to fellow substitute Chamanga just outside the 18-yard area. The forward elegantly curled the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box just two days after his 32nd birthday.
2. Christopher Katongo vs Equatorial Guinea
The name Christopher Katongo is synonymous with breathtaking goals and clutch moments. In the final group match, Zambia needed to beat hosts Equatorial Guinea to finish top of the pile.
Katongo called the shots in that nerve-wracking affair, scoring the winning goal in Malabo. The Chipolopolo skipper cut inside and skipped past two defenders along the edge of the box before unleashing a thunderbolt into the left bottom corner.
1. Emmanuel Mayuka vs Ghana
Zambia pulled a rabbit out of the hat against 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana. Against all odds, the Copper Bullets defeated the Black Stars 1-0 to reach their first AFCON final since 1994.
78 minutes in, with some Zambian fans biting their nails and contemplating an end to their fairytale run, substitute Emmanuel Mayuka came up clutch.
The centre forward, looking away from goal on the edge of the box, got the ball out of his feet to get free from his marker. He then turned and struck the ball into the right bottom corner as it kissed the upright on its way in. A goal the Chipolopolo faithful will never forget.
