Heartbreak for Chipolopolo

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Wednesday January 27, 2010 00:00

 

After 120 minutes without a goal, it was down to the dreaded penalties to decide who goes through to meet Ghana in the semis. Zambia's Thomas Nyirenda saw his penalty saved by Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama to dash the hopes of southern Africa's remaining campaigners in the tournament. The result saw the Super Eagles on Nigeria joining Egypt, Ghana and Algeria in the semis. It was a painful exit for Chipolopolo, which played beautiful football and deserved to get a positive result from the game. The Zambians must learn that beautiful football without goals does not guarantee progress in tournaments. If the Zambians could have converted the numerous scoring chances they created, the COSAFA region could be singing a different tune.

Under the tutelage of Frenchman Herve Renard, Chipolopolo have improved a lot and tried to scale the heights like the crack side which perished in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon in 1993. In defeat, the people of Zambia must feel proud of their side. The coach must be given a chance to continue building a team for the 2012 AFCON finals. Against Nigeria, Chipolopolo missed the services of creative midfielder Rainford Kalaba, who was serving a suspension.

After the game, Enyeama who was voted man of the match said: 'It was a crazy game for us. Zambia are a good side and gave us a tough time'. While the Zambians are on their way home, Nigeria prepare for a tough game against Black Stars of Ghana in the semi-final tomorrow in what promises to be a thriller. Games between the West African rivals have never been easy and the Super Eagles have to improve on their performance if they entertain reaching the finals.

In another mouth-watering semi-final clash, Egypt confront their North African nemesis Algeria. The Pharaohs missed the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the expense of Algeria. Given the rivalry between the two North Africans, the security in Angola is likely to be beefed up for the eagerly awaited tie.