Ivory Coast, Zambia through to Afcon final
2012-02-09 09:47
Libreville, Gabon – Pre-tournament favourite Ivory Coast will play Zambia in the final of the African Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast’s stars forced their way through with a solo goal from Arsenal forward Gervinho to beat Mali 1-0 in the semifinal in Libreville. But they will not face Ghana, as everyone expected, in Sunday’s showpiece.
Zambia soaked up early pressure and survived a penalty miss from Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan to beat the four-time champions through a 78th-minute winner from substitute Emmanuel Mayuka.
Mighty Ivory Coast against little-known Zambia now perfectly reflects a tournament in which the top teams have been harried throughout by the underdogs.
- Sapa - AP