Nations Cup: It’s Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire final

KEEPER TO THE RESCUE•••Zambia’s goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene (L) saves a penalty kick by Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, during yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match in Bata Zambia won 1-0. PHOTO: AFP.

An excellent finish by substitute Emmanuel Mayuka  in the 78 minute, last night, propelled the Chipolopolo of Zambia to a  stunning 1-0 semifinal win over the Black Stars of Ghana at a near empty stadium in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
Cote d’Ivorie also beat Mali 1-0 in the second semi-final through Gervinha’s 45th minute solo effort.
The Zambian substitute, who came in for the ineffective James Chamanga in the second half, peeled off John Boye before sending a shot curling beyond goalkeeper Kwarasey from 22 yards out to ensure that Zambia will be playing their second final in the Nations Cup after their last appearance in the final in the 1994 edition in Tunisia, where they lost 2-1 to Nigeria.

To compound Ghana’s woes, Derek Boateng was sent off for a second booking after a late challenge on  Mayuka
From the onset, the signs were ominous that it was not going to be a Ghana day after striker Asamoah Gyan failed to convert a penalty kick on seven minutes. Though Zambia took the game straight to Ghana from the start, it was Ghana who had more of the possession.
Zambia started lively, with  Isaac Chansa firing one over from distance, but earning a corner on its way, which is whipped in for James Chamanga, but it’s cleared by Asamoah Gyan.
On 7th minute, Ghana launched an attack and were awarded a penalty kick, which was played by Asamoah Gyan and saved by Kennedy Mweene in goal for Zambia. Gyan’s poor effort to the Zambian goalkeeper’s left, who got down and palmed away well.
The breathless start in Bata continued with Ghana on the attack once more, with Gyan shooting from distance, and Mweene palming away once more. Both sides had chances, its not the highest quality but its exciting. Ghana definitely had the better opportunities.
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