In one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories, Zambia secured a fairytale Africa Cup of Nations victory, defeating Ivory Coast 8-7 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw in Libreville.
The match turned on two pivotal moments for the heavily-favored Ivorians. Didier Drogba squandered a golden chance to win the game in regulation, sending a second-half penalty high over the bar after Gervinho was fouled in the area. That miss proved prophetic as the contest moved to penalties.
In the dramatic shootout, Zambia held their nerve while Ivory Coast unraveled. Gervinho, whose earlier run earned the penalty, saw his spot-kick saved, and defender Kolo Touré also missed, opening the door for the Chipolopolo. Stoppila Sunzu sealed the historic win, converting the decisive sudden-death penalty to spark jubilant celebrations.
The victory marks Zambia’s first-ever AFCON title, achieved in the very city where a plane crash tragically killed 18 members of their national team 19 years prior, adding a profound layer of destiny to their unforgettable triumph.
