It’s been 11 years since Zambia defied the odds and landed the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Gabon.
The win was even more captivating given that the Chipolopolo achieved the feat in a country that bore tragic memories. A plane crash on the Atlantic Ocean in 1993 claimed the lives of all the Zambian players who were nicknamed “KK1” in Gabon.
The Football Association of Zambia published a post on its Facebook page to remember the euphoric achievement.
It read: “Eleven years ago today, the Zambia Men’s National Team were crowned champions of Africa after beating Ivory Coast 8-7 on post-match penalties. It was the third final appearance for Zambia after near wins in 1974 (Cairo) and 1994 (Tunis). The coronation was in Libreville where Zambia had lost an entire national team in 1993 off the coast of Gabon. What are your memories of the 2012 AFCON?”
“Another one pending”
Midfield maestro Klings Kangwa left a comment under the post, which will leave Zambian football fans very excited.
The Serbian-based playmaker, who was only 12 years old when the AFCON title was won, wrote: “Another one pending.”
This seems to refer to the Zambian national football team adding another AFCON title to their trophy cabinet. The Chipolopolo may not have appeared in the last three editions, but they have the squad to go all the way again.
They will bank on their vastly experienced manager, Avram Grant, to get the best out of star players like Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Klings Kangwa, Frankie Musonda, etc.
Zambia is second in Group H with three points, which were sealed by a spectacular free-kick goal from Kangwa against the Comoros Islands last year.
He will be very confident of walking away with maximum points in two consecutive matches against Lesotho in March.
